Voting Made Simple • November 3, 2026

How texas counts Your Vote

The 2026 Midterm election, one day at a time. Every step has a date and a rule behind it, from the first public test of voting machines in September to the day results are final in December.

Midterms Matter is nonpartisan.

We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only.

The timeline

From your ballot to the final count

Election night is a first look, not the final word. Texas law sets a date for every check that follows, so you can see exactly when your vote is counted, confirmed, and made official.

1

Before you vote

September 16

First public test of voting machines.

Learn How Testing Works

2

October 5

Last day to register to vote.

3

October 17

Final tests on voting machines and the check-in computers.

4

October 19

Early voting begins.

See What Poll Watchers Can and Can’t Do

5

October 23

Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.

6

October 30

Last day of early voting.

november 3 - ELECTIOn Day

Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first results come in after polls close, but they’re not final yet.

vote in personvote by mail

1

After the polls close

November 9

Last day to fix a problem with your ballot. Last day for military and overseas ballots to arrive.

2

November 17

Every county makes its count official (the canvass) and publishes a report comparing the number of voters checked in at the polls to the number of ballots counted, with any differences explained.

3

November 19

The statewide paper check begins. Officials pull random paper ballots to confirm the results (the risk-limiting audit).

4

December 3

The statewide paper check begins. Officials pull random paper ballots to confirm the results (the risk-limiting audit).

5

December 7

State makes the count official (the state canvass). Results are final.

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If needed: recounts are not automatic in Texas.

If a candidate asks for a recount, the request is due by 5 p.m. three business days after the canvass.

6

December 12

If a local race like city council or school board had no majority winner, the top two meet again in a runoff election.

What comes next

After the results are final

The people Texans elect start their jobs in the new year, and the paper record stays on file long after.

Jan 3

The new Congress starts

The new Congress starts work in Washington on January 3, 2027.

Jan 12

The state legislature starts

The people Texas elected to the state legislature start their jobs in Austin on January 12, 2027.

Sept 2028

Ballots stay on file

Ballots stay on file until at least September 3, 2028, 22 months after the election.

Check the official sources

Dates come from the Texas Election Code and the Texas Secretary of State’s November 3, 2026 election calendar. Verify details with your county election office.

Texas Secretary of State Election Calendar

The official dates for the November 3, 2026 election, published by the Texas Secretary of State.

County Directory

Find your county election office to confirm local dates, canvass details, and any runoff in your area.