Recently Moved?
Moved counties? You may still have options.
If you've recently moved to a new Texas county and missed the April 27 voter registration deadline, a limited ballot may let you participate in the May 26 Primary Runoff. Here's everything you need to know.
- A limited ballot lets you vote on races that appear on both your old and new county's ballots.
- It is only available during early voting (May 18–22) at the main early voting polling place in your new county.
- Not available on Election Day, May 26.
- You must still be a registered voter in your former county (or have applied to register in your new county before the deadline).
Three steps to vote a limited ballot.
If you think you qualify, here's the path forward.
Confirm You Qualify
You may be eligible to vote a limited ballot if you meet one of these conditions:
- You are currently registered to vote in your former county and have moved to a new county but did not re-register by April 27, 2026.
- You submitted a voter registration application to your new county before April 27, and you were registered in your old county at the time you applied.
Not sure if you're still registered in your former county? Check your status at teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov or call the voter registrar in your former county.
Go to the Main Early Voting Location in Your New County
Limited ballots are only available at the main early voting polling place in your new county. Regular early voting sites will not be able to process a limited ballot.
- Early voting runs May 18–22, 2026. This is your only window.
- You cannot vote a limited ballot on Election Day (May 26).
- Find your main early voting location by contacting the Early Voting Clerk in your new county, or visiting votetexas.gov.
Cast Your Limited Ballot
When you arrive at the main early voting location, let poll workers know you're requesting a limited ballot. Here's what to expect:
- You'll complete a Limited Ballot application on-site.
- You'll vote on any candidates and measures that appear on both your old county's ballot and your new county's ballot.
- Races that exist in only one county won't appear on your ballot. That's what makes it "limited."
- Bring a valid Texas photo ID — the same ID required for regular in-person voting. (See Vote in Person guide for the full list.)
Suspense status and limited ballots.
If your voter registration status shows "Suspense," it means the county wasn't able to confirm your current address — often because mail was returned or your registration certificate wasn't updated after a move. You are still eligible to vote.
Here's how suspense status interacts with limited ballots:
- Moved within the same county: Go to any early voting location in your county and complete a Statement of Residence. You can also do this on Election Day by returning to the precinct where you previously resided.
- Moved to a new county: You may qualify for a limited ballot during early voting (May 18–22) at the main early voting location in your new county.
Check your registration status at teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov. Still unsure? Contact the voter registrar in the county where you currently live.
Limited ballots by mail.
If you qualify to vote by mail (age 65+, disability, absence from county, or expecting a birth), a limited ballot by mail may also be an option. The same eligibility rules apply.
Contact the Early Voting Clerk in your new county to ask about the by-mail process for limited ballots. The mail ballot application deadline is May 15, 2026. Don't wait — that deadline comes before early voting begins.
For full details on voting by mail, see the Vote by Mail guide.
Good to know.
What does "limited" mean exactly?
A limited ballot only includes races that appear on both your old county's ballot and your new county's ballot. In Texas, that typically includes statewide races (like Governor or U.S. Senate) and federal races for districts that span both counties. Local races specific to one county won't appear.
In the primary runoff context, this means you'll likely be able to vote on statewide runoff races but may miss some county-level or district-specific contests.
What if I already voted in the March primary?
Party rules still apply to limited ballots. If you voted in the March primary, you'll vote in the same party's runoff. If you didn't vote in March, you may choose either party's runoff ballot when you apply for your limited ballot.
Can I vote a limited ballot on Election Day?
No. Limited ballots are only available during the early voting period, May 18–22, 2026, at the main early voting polling place in your new county. They are not available on Election Day (May 26).
If you miss the early voting window, your only option on Election Day would be to return to your old precinct in your former county — but only if you still live within the political subdivision holding that election.
What if I moved within the same county?
You don't need a limited ballot if you moved within the same county. Two options:
- During early voting: Go to any early voting location in your county and complete a Statement of Residence to update your address on the spot.
- On Election Day: Return to the precinct where you previously lived and complete a Statement of Residence there.
For best results, update your registration at txapps.texas.gov before the April 27 deadline — that's the cleanest path.
What ID do I need?
The same photo ID required for any in-person voting in Texas. Acceptable forms include:
- Texas Driver's License
- Texas Personal ID Card
- U.S. Military ID Card (with photo)
- U.S. Passport (book or card)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas Handgun License
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate (with photo)
If you don't have one of these and can't reasonably obtain one, you may be able to use a supporting document and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. See the Vote in Person guide for details.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Contact the Early Voting Clerk in your new county directly. They can confirm your eligibility, point you to the correct location, and answer questions specific to your situation. Find their contact information at sos.state.tx.us.
You can also call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline for free, unbiased guidance:
- English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)
Is May Matters telling me how to vote?
Never. May Matters is a nonpartisan civic education initiative. We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Still have questions?
The Early Voting Clerk in your new county is your best resource. You can also explore all our voting guides or reach out to the May Matters team directly.
Official Source
This guidance comes directly from the Texas Secretary of State