Howdy, partners

March Matters is a nonpartisan initiative focused on helping more Texans participate confidently in primary elections through education, tools, and trusted community partners.

Let’s Get Started

This March Matters Partner Toolkit provides resources to help your networks understand and participate in the 2026 Texas primary elections.

March primary elections often determine who appears on the ballot and, in many Texas districts, who serves in office. Yet far fewer people participate in primaries compared to November elections. This toolkit exists to help trusted organizations share clear, nonpartisan information so people can participate confidently and without confusion.

Table of contents

This toolkit includes messaging guidance, timelines, and ready-to-use resources. Jump to the section you need:

Brand guide

to make your work simpler & impact bigger

This toolkit helps partners share nonpartisan information. It doesn’t advocate for candidates or positions. Our success is measured in increased participation, not who wins.

March Matters operates under strict nonpartisan and 501(c)(3) guidelines. These guardrails protect partners, participants, and the integrity of the work.

March Matters does not collect or analyze information about how individuals vote or which candidates they support.

do

  • Share info with your network

  • Adapt content to fit your brand

  • Reach out for help

  • Have fun and make a difference!

don’t

  • Reference political parties

  • Mention specific candidates

  • Advocate for specific positions

  • Use March Matters for endorsement or persuasion activities.

time to do just One thing?

Download, print or share March Matters flyer.

March Matters Checklist

✅ Step 1: Pick Starting Point

  • Decide which audience you are activating (employees, members, congregants, community, friends)

Choose one simple action to begin. You can add more later.

  • ☐ Share the flyer

  • ☐ Add March Matters info to an email or newsletter

✅ Step 3: Launch Communicaitons

✅ Step 2: Decide How Visible You Want to Be

  • ☐ Quiet participation (internal sharing only)

  • ☐ Public participation (social posts, website, events)

  • ☐ Coalition participation (calls, shared learning, coordination)

✅ Step 4: Stay Connected

  • Join optional weekly coalition calls for updates and ideas

  • Reach out for help, customization, or questions anytime

  • Share what is working so others can learn from you

Key Campaign Dates & Activity Ideas

  • First day to apply for a ballot by mail using Application for a Ballot by Mail or Federal Postcard Application.

    Mail-In Ballot Rules

    • If the envelope is not postmarked, it must arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday March 3, 2026.

    • If the envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, it can arrive until 5 p.m. on Wednesday March 4, 2026, which is the next business day.

    • Different rules apply for military and overseas voters. Please contact the Elections Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) for additional information.

  • Theme: Service, Reflection, Shared Purpose

    • Today we honor Dr. King by stepping into the power of community and shared responsibility.

    • MLK Day reminds us that change begins with ordinary people choosing to act.

    • Service connects us. Voting empowers us. Together, these actions move Texas forward.

    • Let this day spark the commitment that will guide us through March Matters.

  • Theme: Momentum, Unity, Clarity

    • March Matters begins now.

    • Today we begin a Texas-sized effort to help more people step up, show up, and vote.

    • The path to stronger civic participation starts right here.

    • When we move together, Texans win together.

  • Theme: Urgency, Belonging, Empowerment

    • Today is the last chance to get registered. Your voice deserves to be part of this moment.

    • Registration takes minutes. The impact lasts far longer.

    • If you want a say in what happens next in Texas, today is the day to take that step.

    • Invite someone else to register too. A small reminder can change a future.

  • Theme: Energy, Experimentation, Connection

    • Texas is full of civic energy this week. Try one new way to engage.

    • This is the stretch where awareness grows and momentum builds.

    • Share a reminder. Ask a question. Join a conversation. Small actions matter.

    • Tap into Friday the 13th, Valentines Day and other key cultural moments.

    • This period is to help Texans understand why primaries matter and how to get ready.

  • Theme: Leadership, legacy, Civic Responsibility

    • Presidents Day reminds us that leadership is important.

    • Choosing who represents us is one of the most powerful responsibilities we hold.

    • Honor the day by making your plan for early voting.

    • Democracy is not a spectator sport. Your participation shapes the future of Texas.

  • Theme: Activation, Choice, Ease

    • Early voting starts today. Texans can vote at any polling location in their county.

    • The easiest way to participate in the primary is to vote early.

    • Show up today. Show up this week. Show up when it works for you.

    • Every early vote builds momentum and strengthens our statewide effort.

  • Theme: Your Vote, Your Way, Before The Window Closes

    • Last chance to request a mail in ballot. If voting from home works best for you, today is the day to act.

    • A simple reminder can help someone participate who might otherwise miss the deadline.

    • Do not wait. Mail in ballot requests must be submitted by the end of today.

    • Share this with anyone who needs flexibility or support to make their voice heard this March.

    Mail-In Ballot Rules

    • If the envelope is not postmarked, it must arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday March 3, 2026.

    • If the envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, it can arrive until 5 p.m. on Wednesday March 4, 2026, which is the next business day.

    • Different rules apply for military and overseas voters. Please contact the Elections Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) for additional information.

  • Theme: Final Push, Urgency, Collective Action

    • Last call for early voting. If you want to avoid Election Day lines, this is your moment.

    • Every reminder today moves someone closer to participating.

    • Do not wait until tomorrow. Early voting closes tonight.

    • Help a friend or colleague make their plan before time runs out.

  • Theme: Pride, Self Determination, Texas Identity

    • Today Texans celebrate the spirit of independence and the power of collective choice.

    • Texas Independence Day reminds us that our voice shapes our future.

    • Honor the day by preparing for tomorrow’s primary.

    • Strong turnout is a Texas tradition worth building.

  • Theme: Celebration, Empowerment, Call To Action

    • Today is the day Texas decides what comes next. Every vote matters more in a primary.

    • Make your voice heard. Bring someone with you. Celebrate participation.

    • This is your moment to shape the November ballot and the future of the state.

    • Step up. Show up. Vote. Texas deserves the full strength of our voices.

Copy and Paste Content

Use the examples below as-is or adapt them to match your organization’s voice. All examples are nonpartisan and link to official election resources.

  • The examples below are designed to make it easy to share accurate, nonpartisan information about the March primaries. Choose the tone that best fits your audience and organizational voice. Each option links to official election resources for verification and next steps.

    Option 1: Straightforward and Informational

    March primary elections determine who appears on the ballot in Texas. Many important local and statewide races are effectively decided during the primary, yet participation is often low.

    To learn what applies to you, including registration status, key dates, and how to vote, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s official elections page:
    https://www.votetexas.gov

    Option 2: Workplace or Professional Audience

    March primaries play an important role in shaping leadership across Texas, but many people are unsure what the process involves or which deadlines apply to them.

    Employees and community members can find official information on voter registration, voting options, and election dates through the Texas Secretary of State:
    https://www.votetexas.gov

    Option 3: Community or Faith-Based Audience

    Participating in elections is one way communities help shape the future of Texas. Primary elections take place earlier in the year and often determine which candidates move forward.

    For official, nonpartisan information about the March primaries, including how and when to vote, visit the Texas Secretary of State:
    https://www.votetexas.gov

    Option 4: Friendly and Approachable

    March primaries are coming up, and they matter more than many people realize. These elections often shape what appears on the ballot later in the year.

    You can check your registration, find important dates, and learn how to vote using official state resources here:
    https://www.votetexas.gov

  • Core Narrative (≈500 words)

    March Matters is a nonpartisan civic education initiative designed to help Texans understand and participate confidently in primary elections. In Texas, many of the most consequential decisions about who governs the state are effectively made in March, not November. Yet primary elections consistently see far lower participation, largely because people are unaware of the timing, the rules, or what steps apply to them.

    This gap is not about apathy. It is about information, access, and clarity.

    March Matters exists to reduce confusion and remove friction so more Texans can engage at the moment when their participation has the greatest impact. The initiative focuses on trusted messengers, clear language, and practical tools that help people understand when primary elections happen, how to prepare, and where to find official information.

    The campaign is intentionally nonpartisan. March Matters does not support or oppose candidates, political parties, or policy positions. Success is measured by increased participation and preparedness, not by electoral outcomes. This approach allows employers, faith communities, membership organizations, and civic leaders to share accurate election information in a way that is safe, compliant, and trusted.

    At the center of March Matters is a simple idea: fewer surprises lead to broader participation. When people know early that registration deadlines come before February, that early voting starts weeks before Election Day, and that primaries often decide who appears on the November ballot, they are more likely to make a plan that works for them.

    March Matters provides partners with plain language explanations, key dates, copy and paste messaging, graphics, and planning tools that can be adapted to different audiences. The initiative also creates space for shared learning through optional coalition calls where partners exchange what they are seeing and what is working on the ground.

    Texas has one of the lowest primary participation rates in the country, even as it continues to grow rapidly and diversify. When only a small share of the population participates, outcomes reflect a narrow set of voices. Increasing awareness and preparedness in March strengthens representation, accountability, and trust over time.

    March Matters is about civic confidence. It helps Texans understand the process, confirm their registration, choose how and when to vote, and feel prepared rather than rushed or uncertain. Participation always remains a personal choice. Our role is to make sure that choice is informed.

    By meeting people where they are and focusing on clarity instead of pressure, March Matters helps more Texans show up when it matters most.

    Short Narrative (≈150 words)

    March Matters is a nonpartisan initiative helping Texans understand and prepare for primary elections. In Texas, many important races are effectively decided in March, yet participation in primaries is far lower than in November. This gap is driven less by disinterest and more by confusion about timing, rules, and deadlines.

    March Matters focuses on education, not advocacy. The campaign provides clear, trusted information about when primaries happen, how to check registration status, voting options, and key dates so people can participate with confidence. Employers, faith communities, and civic organizations use March Matters tools to share accurate information in ways that are compliant, accessible, and trusted.

    The goal is simple: fewer surprises, more prepared Texans, and broader participation at the moment when decisions are being made. March Matters helps people understand the process early so participation feels manageable, informed, and intentional.

    Ultra-Short Description (≈25 words)

    March Matters is a nonpartisan effort helping Texans understand when primary elections happen and how to prepare, so more people can participate confidently when decisions are made.

  • You can use these posts as written or adapt them to your voice. Posting every message is not required. All content is nonpartisan and informational. Every post includes #MarchMatters.

    1. Registration Deadline

    Use in the days leading up to the voter registration deadline listed above

    Option A (Community leader, calm)

    March primaries are coming up, and one key step happens early.

    If you plan to participate, now is a good time to check your voter registration before the deadline on Feb 2.

    Official information is available here:
    https://www.votetexas.gov
    #MarchMatters

    Option B (Short, Slack-friendly)

    Heads up: voter registration closes Feb 2 for the March primaries in Texas.

    https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/index.html
    #MarchMatters

    Option C (Email newsletter friendly)

    The March primaries come earlier than many Texans expect.

    One important early step is confirming voter registration by Feb 3.

    Official info at VoteTexas.gov.
    #MarchMatters

    2. Early Voting Begins

    Use on or just after the Early Voting start date

    Option A (Reassuring)

    Early voting for the March primaries is now open.

    Early voting can offer more flexibility and fewer surprises.

    Official voting locations and hours are available here:
    https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/index.html
    #MarchMatters

    Option B (Friendly)

    Early voting is underway for the March primaries in Texas.

    If you like having options, this is a good time to check what’s available near you.

    https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/index.html
    #MarchMatters

    Option C (Community voice)

    Many Texans find early voting makes participation easier.

    If that’s helpful for you, official early voting details are here:
    https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/index.html
    #MarchMatters

    3. Make a Plan

    Use mid–early voting period

    Option A (Clear and supportive)

    A little planning can make March primary election participation easier.

    Taking time to review key dates, voting options, and what applies to you can help reduce last-minute stress.

    We pulled helpful steps together here:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    Option B

    March elections sneak up on people.

    A simple plan goes a long way.

    Helpful info here when you’re ready:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    Option C (Email version)

    As the March primaries approach, many people find it helpful to make a simple voting plan.

    March Matters has pulled together clear, nonpartisan guidance here:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    4. Early Voting Ends / Election Approaching

    Use 2–3 days before Election Day

    Option A (Calm reminder)

    As Primary Election Day in Texas approaches, it’s a good time to double-check voting hours and locations.

    Official info at https://www.votetexas.gov

    #MarchMatters

    Option B (Short)

    March primaries are here! Find your polling place:
    https://www.votetexas.gov
    #MarchMatters

    5. Election Day – March 3

    Use on Election Day

    Option A (Neutral and supportive)

    Today is Election Day for the Texas primaries. If you plan to participate, official voting hours and location details are available here:
    https://www.votetexas.gov
    #MarchMatters

    Option B (Short and calm)

    Election Day is here for the March primaries. Voting details: https://www.votetexas.gov
    #MarchMatters

    Option C (Community tone)

    Today is March 3, the day Texas holds its primary elections. Participation is key! Official information:
    https://www.votetexas.gov
    #MarchMatters

    6. Post-Election Appreciation

    Use 1–3 days after Election Day

    Option A (Grateful)

    Thank you to everyone who took time to participate or help others stay informed during the March primaries.

    Awareness and preparation matter.
    #MarchMatters

    Option B (Reflective)

    March primaries often shape what comes next in Texas. More awareness and participation help strengthen representation over time.
    #MarchMatters

    Option C (Community-focused)

    Thanks to those who stayed informed and engaged in the March primaries in Texas.
    #MarchMatters

  • Post 1: Educational and Evergreen

    Many Texas Elections Are Decided Before November

    Most people think of Election Day as something that happens in November. In Texas, however, many of the most important decisions are made much earlier, during the March primary elections.

    That timing surprises a lot of people. March primaries determine which candidates appear on the general election ballot, and in many districts, they effectively decide who will serve in office. Yet participation in March is consistently much lower than in November.

    This gap isn’t about apathy. It’s largely about awareness. Many Texans simply don’t realize how important the March primaries are or what steps they need to take to participate.

    That’s where preparation matters. Checking voter registration early, understanding voting options, and making a simple plan can reduce confusion and last-minute stress.

    Official, nonpartisan election information is always available through the Texas Secretary of State at https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections.

    We proudly joined March Matters, a nonpartisan effort focused on helping Texans understand the role of primaries and feel prepared when March arrives. You can find plain-language resources and planning tools at https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries.

    Participation looks different for everyone, but awareness helps ensure fewer people are caught off guard when decisions are made.

    Option 2: Community Leader Perspective

    March Matters to Our Community

    As an employeer/church leader/community organizer, I will never tell people how to vote. But leaders do play an important role in helping people understand when decisions happen and how to be prepared.

    In Texas, many elections are shaped during the March primaries. When participation is low, outcomes reflect a narrower set of voices.

    Helping people navigate this timing isn’t about politics. It’s about clarity.

    Sharing accurate, nonpartisan information through trusted channels helps people participate with confidence, whether that means voting early, voting on Election Day, or simply understanding the process better.

    Official election information is always available through the Texas Secretary of State at https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections.

    I proudly joined March Matters supports to help support communities like ours by offering clear explanations, planning tools, and resources that make the March primaries easier to understand. Those resources are available at https://www.marchmatters.org.

    Our goal is simple: fewer surprises, more prepared Texans, and broader participation in the moments that matter most.

  • Contact us if you want unique URLs or landing pages for your organization so we can help you track your impact.

    Option 1: About March Matters

    Most Texans think elections are decided in November. In reality, Texas primary elections in March determine who appears on the ballot and who leads the state.

    March Matters is a nonpartisan campaign designed to help you understand why the primary matters and how to participate with confidence. The campaign provides clear information, key dates, and simple tools that reduce confusion and lower barriers.

    Learn more at marchmatters.org.

    Option 2: Casual and Actionable

    We hear this all the time: “Wait… there’s an election in March?”

    You’re not alone. March primaries often determine who appears on the ballot later in the year, yet participation is typically much lower. That timing gap means many people miss the moment when their voice can have the most impact.

    That’s why we’re sharing resources from March Matters, a nonpartisan effort focused on helping Texans understand when primaries happen and how to be prepared.

    If participating is something you’re considering, a few simple steps can help:

    • Check your voter registration status

    • Review key dates and voting options

    • Make a simple voting plan that works for you

    Clear, official election information is always available through the Texas Secretary of State:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    March Matters also offers plain-language guidance and planning tools here:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries

    This information is shared for awareness and preparation. Participation is always a personal choice.

    Option 3: Early Voting or “Make a Plan” Moment

    March primary elections are underway in Texas.

    For many people, these elections feel unfamiliar or easy to miss, simply because they happen earlier than expected. A little planning can make participation feel much more manageable.

    If you’re thinking about voting, it may help to:

    • Confirm voting hours and locations

    • Decide whether early voting or Election Day works better for you

    • Review what may appear on your ballot

    Official voting information is available through the Texas Secretary of State:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    For those who want additional context about why March primaries matter and how to prepare, March Matters has gathered nonpartisan resources here:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries

    Sharing this information so fewer Texans are surprised by when decisions actually happen.

  • Use the templates below as-is or adapt them to match your organization’s voice. All examples are nonpartisan and link to official election resources.

    Email Option 1: Straightforward and Informational

    March primary elections are coming up in Texas, and they play an important role in determining who appears on the ballot later in the year.

    Many people are unsure what applies to them in a primary election, including registration status, key dates, and voting options. Official, nonpartisan information is available through the Texas Secretary of State.

    You can find details on voter registration, election dates, and how to vote here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    This information is provided for awareness and education. Participation is always a personal choice.

    Email Option 2: Workplace or Professional Tone

    Texas primary elections take place earlier in the year and often shape which candidates appear on the general election ballot. Participation in primaries is typically lower, in part because the process can feel confusing or unfamiliar.

    For employees and community members looking for clear, official guidance, the Texas Secretary of State provides nonpartisan information on registration, voting options, and important deadlines.

    Learn more here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    This message is shared for informational purposes only and does not support or oppose any candidates or parties.

    Email Option 3: Community or Faith-Based Audience

    Primary elections are an early step in the election process and often determine which candidates move forward. Because these elections happen outside the November cycle, many people are unaware of the dates or what is required to participate.

    For official, nonpartisan information about the March primaries, including how and when to vote, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s elections page:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    This information is shared to help community members stay informed and prepared.

    Email Option 4: Friendly and Approachable

    March primary elections are coming up, and they matter more than many people realize. These elections often determine what appears on the ballot later in the year.

    If you would like to check your registration status, review key dates, or learn about voting options, official information is available here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections

    Sharing for awareness and planning purposes.

    OPTIONAL ADDITION

    For additional nonpartisan context and planning tools related to the March primaries, you can also visit March Matters at [marchmatters.org].

  • A. March Primaries (General Awareness)

    Text 1

    Random heads up — Texas has elections in March, not just November. I didn’t realize how important the primaries were until recently. #MarchMatters

    Text 2

    I just learned most Texas races are basically decided in March. Wish someone had told me that sooner. Passing it along. #MarchMatters

    Text 3

    Not political, just timing related: March primaries matter a lot in Texas, but they sneak up on people. #MarchMatters

    B. Registration Deadline Reminder (Before Feb 2)

    Text 4

    Quick reminder — voter registration for the March primaries closes Feb 2 in Texas. Worth checking if you’re registered.
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    Text 5

    Heads up that Texas has an early registration deadline for March elections (Feb 2). I had to look it up myself.
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    Text 6

    If March elections are on your radar at all, registration closes Feb 2. Official info here if helpful:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    C. Early Voting Starts

    Text 7

    FYI early voting for the March primaries is open now in Texas. Sharing in case flexibility helps.
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    Text 8

    Early voting started for March primaries. I like knowing there are options besides Election Day.
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    D. Make a Plan (Mid–Early Voting)

    Text 9

    March elections sneak up on people. I found this helpful for planning and dates:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    Text 10

    Sharing in case it’s useful — this breaks down March primary dates and options in plain language.
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    E. Election Approaching (2–3 Days Before)

    Text 11

    March 3 is coming up — if you’re participating, voting hours and locations are here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    Text 12

    Friendly reminder that March primaries are this week. Official details here if you need them:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    F. Election Day (March 3)

    Text 13

    Today’s the Texas primary election. Info on hours and polling places here if you’re looking:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    Text 14

    It’s March 3 — primary election day in Texas. Sharing the official info link just in case:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    G. Post-Election Appreciation (1–3 Days After)

    Text 15

    March primaries don’t get much attention, so thanks to everyone who stayed informed or helped others do the same.

    Text 16

    Regardless of outcomes, more awareness around March elections is a good thing.

  • Contact us if you want unique URLs to track your participation with the campaign!

    Post A

    “Wait… there’s an election in March?” We hear that a lot. #MarchMatters is helping Texans understand and prepare for the March 3 primaries. Check it out: marchmatters.org

    Post B

    If March elections feel confusing, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re sharing trusted information with you. Start here when you’re ready:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    Post C

    In 2022, only four Texas House races were competitive in November. The rest were decided in March.
    #MarchMatters marchmatters.org

    Post D

    Most people don’t skip March primaries on purpose. They just don’t realize how important they are. Learn more: marchmatters.org
    #MarchMatters

    Post E

    March primaries shape who shows up on the November ballot in Texas.

    More participation in March means leadership accountable to more Texans.

    Simple idea. Big impact.

    marchmatters.org
    #MarchMatters

    Post F

    Thinking ahead makes the March primary elections easier.

    A few small steps help:
    ✔️ Check your voter registration
    ✔️ Make a voting plan
    ✔️ Share clear info with friends

    We pulled it together here:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    Post G

    As employers, faith leaders, and community organizations, we don’t tell Texans how to vote. We help them understand how to be prepared.

    Learn more: marchmatters.org
    #MarchMatters

    Post H (Participation gap graphic)

    November turnout vs. March turnout in Texas. Once you see the gap, it’s hard to ignore.
    https://www.marchmatters.org/texas-primaries-problem
    #MarchMatters

    Post I (“Why primaries matter” graphic)

    When participation is low, outcomes reflect the few, not the many. marchmatters.org
    #MarchMatters

    Post J

    March elections sneak up on people. Our goal is fewer surprises and more prepared voters. marchmatters.org
    #MarchMatters

  • 1. Registration Deadline

    Use in the days leading up to Feb 2

    March primaries come earlier than many Texans expect, and one key step happens early.

    If you’re thinking about participating, now is a good time to check your voter registration before the Feb 2 deadline.

    Official information is here: https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    2. Early Voting Begins

    Use on or just after early voting starts

    Early voting for the Texas March primaries is now open.

    Many people find early voting offers more flexibility and fewer surprises.

    Official voting locations and hours are available here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    3. Make a Plan

    Use mid–early voting period

    March elections sneak up on people. A simple plan can make participation feel much easier.

    We pulled together clear, nonpartisan steps to help you get ready:
    https://www.marchmatters.org/prepare-for-the-primaries
    #MarchMatters

    4. Early Voting Ends / Election Approaching

    Use 2–3 days before Election Day

    As Primary Election Day approaches in Texas, it’s a good time to double-check voting hours and locations.

    Official details are available here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

    5. Election Day – March 3

    Use on Election Day

    Today is March 3, the day Texas holds its primary elections.

    If you plan to participate, official voting hours and location details are available here:
    https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections
    #MarchMatters

  • March Matters: Why Primary Elections Deserve Our Attention

    By [Name], [Neighborhood or Community Role]

    For many of us, a neighborhood becomes meaningful not because of a map or a name, but because of how people show up for one another.

    In [Neighborhood Name], community is practical and visible. Neighbors lend a hand when something breaks. Meals appear when someone is under the weather. Conversations happen at parks, local businesses, and community events. Showing up is part of daily life.

    That same spirit matters beyond block parties and potlucks. Civic life also depends on people choosing to show up.

    On March 3, 2026, Texans will vote in the primary elections. Primary elections do not always receive the attention they deserve, but these elections play a major role in determining who represents us at every level of government.

    Most voters are familiar with the November general election. Primary elections can feel more confusing or easier to overlook. One helpful way to think about primaries is like the early rounds of a tournament. Those early matchups quietly determine who advances to the final stage.

    In Texas, the process works like this:

    • March: candidates within each political party compete for office

    • May: if no candidate earns more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates advance to a runoff

    • November: the winners from each party face off in the general election

    Because many districts lean strongly toward one party, the primary election often determines the final outcome. Despite that reality, participation in Texas primaries remains very low.

    In 2024, only about 14 percent of eligible voters participated in the Texas primaries. Primary voters also tend to skew older and more firmly aligned with one political party, which means many community voices are missing from the conversation.

    As a member of the [Neighborhood Name] community, I want to help make participation easier for anyone who wants to be involved. Our organization is partnering with March Matters, a nonpartisan education coalition that provides free, plain-language information about Texas primary elections. March Matters explains how primaries work, which dates matter, and what voters can expect at the polls.

    Neighbors who want to learn more can visit links.marchmatters.org/[custom-link].

    Staying informed is another way neighbors show up for one another and for the communities we share. I hope to see many familiar faces out in the neighborhood and, if you choose, at the polls this spring.

A March Matters analysis of Texas election data highlights why a campaign to encourage more Texans to vote in the March primary is so important:

  • Texas ranks among the lowest states nationally in voter turnout. 

  • Only 14% of Texas’ voting-age population voted in the 2024 primary election.

  • In 2022, 146 of 150 Texas House races were effectively decided in March, not November. 

  • In 2022, the last comparable statewide primary, about two-thirds of Democratic primary voters and nearly three-quarters of Republican primary voters were age 50 or older.

  • A vote cast in the March primary is roughly 3.5 times more influential than a vote cast in November.

Sources for the data: Texas Secretary of State, Ryan Data & Research and Texas Tribune

Data to Reference

graphics

March Matters Toolkit by March Matters

Having trouble opening the Canva templates? Please log in to Canva first. Canva accounts are free, and you can sign in with email or through another account such as Google, Apple, Facebook, or Microsoft.

You can download ready-to-use March Matters graphics in square and horizontal formats. Feel free to create custom March Matters graphics using our editable Canva templates.

training & Events

  • Host a short virtual or in-person briefing for your network ahead of the March 3 primary. Contact us to learn more.

  • Download the deck to give to your network.

  • Equip trusted leaders within your organization or community to confidently share March Matters information with others.

    This option provides a facilitated training that prepares staff, volunteers, ERG leaders, faith leaders, or community ambassadors to host their own nonpartisan primary education sessions. Participants receive clear talking points, guidance on common questions, and ready to use materials they can adapt for their audiences.

    Train the Trainer sessions help scale impact while keeping messaging accurate, consistent, and trusted.

  • Create a welcoming, low pressure space for people to review what will be on their ballot before Election Day.

    A Ballot Preview Party is a nonpartisan, informational gathering where participants can walk through what offices and races appear on their ballot, learn where to find reliable information, and make a plan to vote. These events focus on clarity, confidence, and preparation rather than persuasion.

    Ballot Preview Parties work well in workplaces, congregations, community spaces, or virtual settings and help reduce last minute confusion that often keeps people from participating.

  • Make participation easier by helping people vote together.

    Group voting options support organizations that want to coordinate a shared early voting outing or encourage participation during the same time window. This can include setting a group early voting day, sharing transportation information, or creating a simple plan that helps people vote when it works best for them.

    Group voting builds momentum, normalizes participation, and reinforces the idea that voting is a shared civic responsibility.

Weekly Coalition Calls

Participation in weekly coalition calls is optional. Partners may join at any point in the campaign to get practical updates, share questions, or listen in as schedules allow.

FAQ

These are the most common questions we get. Don’t see yours? Reach out and we can help!

  • March Matters is a coalition led initiative that gives Texans trusted, simple information about the primary elections. Our mission is to increase civic participation and accountability in Texas by turning one million more registered voters into primary voters by 2036 .

  • Most races in Texas are decided in March because most districts strongly favor one political party. Only four Texas House districts were competitive in November 2022. The rest were effectively decided in the primary election.

  • Research shows that Texans miss primaries because of four barriers:

    • Information barriers

    • Structural barriers

    • Engagement barriers

    • Cultural barriers

  • Winners in March decide the leaders who make decisions about things we care about like education, safety, health care, infrastructure, and affordability.

  • You are a trusted voice in the community. When your organization activates Texans, you help build a more representative electorate and a healthier civic culture.

MARCH MATTERS IN ACTION

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