Vote By Mail
Vote by Mail:
What You Need
to Know.
Your complete guide to the Texas mail ballot process.
Texas has specific rules for who can vote by mail and how. This guide walks you through every step -- from checking eligibility to getting your ballot counted. The deadline to apply is May 15. Don't wait.
Are you eligible?
Texas does not have universal mail voting. You must meet at least one of these criteria to request a mail ballot.
Any registered voter who is 65 years of age or older on Election Day.
If a sickness or disability prevents you from voting in person without personal assistance or risk of injury to your health.
If you will be outside your county of residence during the entire early voting period and on Election Day.
If you expect to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day.
If you are in jail but are otherwise eligible to vote (i.e. not convicted of a felony).
If you are civilly committed under Chapter 841 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Contact your county election office or visit VoteTexas.gov to confirm your eligibility before applying.
Texas law requires a qualifying reason to vote by mail. Simply preferring to vote at home is not sufficient under current law. For official guidance, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Three steps to vote by mail.
The process has three distinct stages -- applying, completing your ballot, and returning it. Each has its own deadlines and requirements. Here's what to know.
Deadline: May 15. You must submit an application before a ballot will be mailed to you. You cannot simply show up and vote by mail.
To get an application:
- Apply online at VoteTexas.gov
- Call your County Election Office and request one be mailed to you
- Submit by mail, email, fax, or common carrier -- all are accepted
- Print and mail the application yourself (English or Spanish available)
On the application you'll need to provide:
- Your TX Driver's License, TX Personal ID, or TX Election ID Certificate number (issued by DPS -- not your voter registration VUID number) OR the last 4 digits of your SSN -- you only need one, not both. If you have neither, check the appropriate box on the form.
- Your phone number and/or email address
- The mailing address where your ballot should be sent
- Your reason for voting by mail
- Your signature (or a completed witness section if you can't sign)
Your ballot will be mailed 30-45 days before the election, or within 7 days of your application being received. When it arrives:
- Use a black or blue pen to mark your ballot
- Fill in ovals completely -- no X's, checkmarks, or circles
- Place your ballot in the ballot envelope and seal it -- one ballot per envelope
Then place the ballot envelope inside the carrier envelope and:
- Write your TX Driver's License or Personal ID number and last 4 of your SSN
- Add your phone number and/or email
- Seal the carrier envelope in both places, then sign over the flap
Important: If someone from a political organization offers to help with your ballot, decline. Ballots returned from a campaign or candidate's address will be rejected, and your ballot may never be mailed at all. Only accept help from someone you personally trust.
Don't wait. Return your ballot as early as possible to avoid postal delays.
You can return your ballot by:
- Mail -- via USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Must be postmarked before 7pm on May 26.
- Hand delivery -- bring it in person to your main County Election Office on Election Day while polls are open. You must show a photo ID.
Good to know.
A few things that come up often about the mail ballot process in Texas.
Do I have to apply every election?
Yes -- you must apply for a mail ballot for every election. However, if you are 65 or older or disabled, you can check "Annual Application" to receive ballots for all elections in that calendar year. Note: Texas law no longer automatically sends ballots year after year after the first application.
How will I know if my ballot was accepted?
Use the Texas Secretary of State's Ballot by Mail Tracker to check your ballot status. If there's an issue, your county election office is required to notify you and explain how to fix it.
What if my mail-in ballot is rejected?
You have up to six days after the election to fix a rejected ballot. Your county election office will contact you with instructions. Don't ignore that notice -- act quickly.
Which party's runoff ballot do I receive?
When you fill out your mail ballot application, you'll indicate which party's runoff ballot you want. If you voted in March, you must select the same party. If you didn't vote in March, you can choose either party.
Can I change my mind and vote in person instead?
Yes. If you applied for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person, you can still do so. Bring your mail ballot and carrier envelope with you -- you'll be allowed to vote on a regular ballot after surrendering the mail ballot materials. If you can't bring them, you may vote by provisional ballot.
Where will my ballot be mailed?
Generally, your ballot is mailed to your registered address. However: if you are 65 or older or have a physical disability, your ballot can be sent to a hospital, nursing home, long-term care facility, retirement center, or a relative -- but you must indicate which type of address on the form. If your reason for voting by mail is absence from the county, the ballot must be mailed to an address outside your county.
What if I'm in the military or living overseas?
Military and overseas voters use a different process -- the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) -- which covers both voter registration and the ballot request in one form. Visit VoteTexas.gov for the full military and overseas voter guide.
Is May Matters telling me who to vote for?
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.
Ready to apply?
Don't wait until May 15. Apply now at VoteTexas.gov and allow plenty of time for your ballot to arrive and be returned.