Recently Moved?

A Practical Guide for Texans Who Have Changed Counties and Still Want to Participate

Life happens. People move. Deadlines sneak up.

If you moved from one Texas county to another and missed the voter registration deadline in your new county, you may still have a path to participate. That path is called a limited ballot.

A limited ballot allows certain voters who moved counties to vote in the election, but only for specific races and only under specific conditions.

College students who move within Texas are a common example. So are professionals who relocate for work and miss the registration deadline.

We created this FAQ to help you.

Who Can Use a Limited Ballot?

You may qualify if all three of these are true:

• You were registered to vote in your former county when you either offered to vote in your new county or applied to register there.

• You would still be eligible to vote in your former county on Election Day if you still lived there.

• Your voter registration in your new county is not effective by Election Day because you moved after the deadline.

In simple terms, you were properly registered before you moved, but your new registration has not taken effect yet.

When Can You Vote with a Limited Ballot?

Limited ballots are only available during early voting. They are not available on Election Day. This window matters. If you think you qualify, don’t wait. Vote soon.

For the March 3, 2026 Primary:

  • Early voting runs February 17 through February 27.

  • Limited ballots can’t be cast on March 3.

Where Do You Vote with a Limited Ballot?

Location rules are specific:

  • In person: You must vote at the main early voting location in your new county.

  • By mail: You must also meet Texas eligibility rules for voting by mail.

Not every polling place can process a limited ballot. The main early voting location is key.

If you need to find your county’s main location, call your new county’s elections office directly and ask: “I moved counties and may need to vote a limited ballot. What is the main early voting location?”

County staff can confirm eligibility and give exact directions.

What does a limited ballot include?

With a limited ballot, you can vote on the following:

  • All statewide races

  • District races that overlap between your former and new county

A limited ballot doesn’t include:

  • Local county or precinct races unique to your new county

  • Local measures that were not on the ballot in your former county

You will not see purely local races tied only to your new address.

Think you might need a limited ballot?

Take two quick steps:

  1. Check your registration status at VoteTexas.gov

  2. Call the elections office in your new county and ask for the main early voting location.

Primary elections shape who appears on the November ballot. If you moved, do not assume you are out of options. There may still be a path to participate.

Official Source

This guidance comes directly from the Texas Secretary of State, Advisory No. 2026-08: