In the Know:
types of texas elections
Texas has several different types of elections, and they work differently from each other. Knowing which is which helps you understand when to vote, what's on your ballot, and why some elections matter more than people realize. With the November 3 general election ahead, this is your plain-language guide to all of them.
TX Matters is nonpartisan. This guide explains how Texas elections work, not who to vote for. We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. Texas Matters to US.
Every election, explained.
Texas holds five distinct types of elections. Each serves a different purpose, happens at a different time, and has different rules for who can participate. The one ahead of us is the November 3 general election.
The general election is the one most people think of when they hear "Election Day." It's where party nominees face each other, along with any independent or third-party candidates, to decide who actually holds public office. This November is a midterm, so the entire ballot is up and down the state.
In Texas, general elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. In 2026, that's November 3.
- All registered voters can participate, with no party ballot to choose
- In 2026, the ballot includes governor, a U.S. Senate seat, all 38 congressional districts, and every statewide office
- May also include ballot measures, constitutional amendments, and local propositions
- Typically draws the highest turnout of any election cycle
A primary election is how each political party chooses its candidate for the general election. Think of it as the opening round. The field of candidates narrows down to one per party before the November vote.
In Texas, primaries are held in March of even-numbered years. In 2026, the primary was on March 3.
- Each major party holds its own separate primary
- Voters choose which party's primary they want to vote in when they arrive at the polls
- Texas does not require you to register with a party, you choose at the ballot box
- To win outright, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote
- If no candidate clears 50%, the top two advance to a primary runoff
A primary runoff happens when no candidate in a primary race received more than 50% of the vote. The top two finishers face off one more time, head to head, winner take all. In 2026, the runoff was held in May, well before the November general.
- Only races where no candidate cleared 50% in the primary go to a runoff
- You vote in the runoff for the same party whose primary ballot you chose
- Turnout typically drops sharply from the primary, so each vote carries more weight
- The runoff decides the party's nominee heading into November
A special election is called outside the regular election calendar to fill a vacant seat or decide a specific issue, such as a resignation, a death in office, or a statewide ballot measure that can't wait until November.
Special elections in Texas are called by the Governor and can happen at almost any time of year.
- Used to fill vacancies in the U.S. House, Texas Legislature, or other offices
- Can also be used for constitutional amendments or bond measures
- Nonpartisan in format, with all candidates from all parties on a single ballot
- If no candidate wins a majority, the top two go to a runoff regardless of party
- Tend to have very low turnout, making individual votes carry even more weight
Local elections decide who runs the things that affect your daily life most directly: your schools, roads, property taxes, emergency services, and water systems. These races often get the least attention and have the lowest turnout, which means your vote goes further here than almost anywhere else.
In Texas, most local elections are held in May of odd-numbered years, but the exact timing varies by jurisdiction. Some cities and school districts hold elections at different times, and some local races also appear on the November general election ballot.
Mayors, city council members, county commissioners, sheriffs, and judges
School board trustees who set policy, approve budgets, and hire superintendents
Water districts, hospital districts, community college boards, and transit authorities
- Most local elections in Texas are nonpartisan, with candidates running without a party label
- Runoff rules apply here too. If no candidate clears 50%, the top two go to a runoff
- Turnout is often under 10%, so a small, organized group can decide outcomes
- Local offices directly control school funding, property tax rates, zoning, and public safety
See how it all fits together.
The 2026 Texas election cycle.
In a typical even-numbered year, Texas runs three elections in sequence, each feeding into the next. The March primary and May runoff are behind us. The November 3 general is what's ahead.
Multiple candidates compete within each party. Anyone who clears 50% wins their party's nomination outright. If nobody does, the top two advance.
The top two candidates from March face off again. Whoever wins becomes their party's official nominee heading into November.
The party nominees face each other to decide who holds office. This is the election ahead of us, and the one where the whole ballot is decided.
Parties, ballots, and privacy.
Texas has a few quirks around party affiliation that trip people up. Here's how it actually works.
Do I have to register with a political party in Texas?
No. In Texas you don't pick a party when you register to vote. The only time party comes up is in the spring primary, where you pick one party's ballot at the polls. Doing that "ties" you to that party for the rest of the year, which really just means one thing: if there's a runoff, you can only vote in that same party's runoff. It doesn't carry over to future years, and it has no effect on how you vote in November.
Do I need to pick a party to vote in the November general election?
No. The November 3 general election is open to every registered voter, with no party ballot to choose. You get one ballot with every race on it, and you can vote for anyone you want, from any party. Whatever you did in the spring primary makes no difference here.
What does "party affiliation" mean in Texas?
In Texas, party affiliation is temporary and limited. When you vote in a party's primary, you're considered affiliated with that party for that calendar year. That means you cannot vote in one party's primary and then switch to another party's runoff that same year. Your affiliation automatically expires at the end of the calendar year. It does not affect how you vote in the general election in November.
What if I consider myself an Independent?
Independent voters have the same options as other Texas voters. For a primary, you choose which party's primary ballot you want to vote in. That choice may affect which primary runoff you can vote in that year, but it does not affect how you vote in the November general election. In November, you can vote for candidates from any party.
Is my vote private? Will people know how I voted?
Who you vote for is private. Your individual vote choices are never disclosed. However, the fact that you voted is public record. If you vote in a primary, the party primary you voted in is also public information. That means people may be able to see that you voted in a Republican or Democratic primary, but they cannot see which candidates you chose.
How do I make sure I'm ready to vote in November?
Two steps. First, confirm or update your voter registration at VoteTexas.gov before the October 5 registration deadline. Second, sign up for our election updates newsletter and we'll send reminders for key dates, from early voting through Election Day.
TX Matters does not encourage you to vote for any party or candidate. This information is provided solely to help you understand how the Texas election system works so you can participate confidently. Texas Matters to US.
Now you know the system.
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