Texas elections move fast, and so does misinformation.
For journalists covering primaries, midterms, and local races, understanding the mechanics of Texas election law is essential to getting it right.
First, eligibility. To vote in Texas, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, not currently serving a felony sentence, and registered to vote in advance.
Texas does not offer same-day voter registration, so stories should always clearly communicate the registration deadline and direct audiences to official lookup tools to confirm their status and polling location. TCRP HCOM Presentation- Voting …
Polling location rules are another frequent source of confusion. During early voting, Texans can vote at any polling place within their county.
On Election Day, however, not every county offers countywide voting. Some counties, including Montgomery and Waller, require voters to cast a ballot in their assigned precinct. For reporters, that distinction matters. A blanket statement that voters can “vote anywhere” can be misleading, depending on the county and the day.
Deadlines are equally important and often vary depending on the type of election. In the March 2026 primary cycle, for example, the last day to register was February 2, early voting began February 17, the mail ballot application deadline was February 20, early voting will end on February 27, Election Day is on March 3, and the final day for in-person ballot curing or is on March 9. When reporting on timelines, it’s critical to specify which deadline you are referencing: registration, early voting, vote-by-mail applications, or ballot curing, because each affects voters differently.
Voter ID coverage requires particular precision. Texas has a specific list of acceptable photo identification, including a Texas driver license, Texas personal ID card, Texas handgun license, U.S. passport, and certain military or citizenship IDs. TCRP HCOM Presentation- Voting … Expiration rules also depend on age: voters 70 and older may use an ID regardless of how long it has been expired, while voters under 70 may use one expired no more than four years. TCRP HCOM Presentation- Voting …
Equally important is understanding what the law does not require. An ID address does not have to match the voter’s registration address. A voter’s name does not have to be an exact match; it must be “substantially similar.” Gender markers and changes in appearance are not grounds to deny a ballot. And a “REAL ID” gold star is not required to vote. These nuances are often at the center of viral misinformation, making clarity in reporting critical.
Vote-by-mail rules in Texas are narrower than in many other states. A voter must qualify under specific categories, such as being 65 or older, having a sickness or disability, being out of the county during the voting period, being confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or expecting to give birth within a defined timeframe. If there is a problem with a mail ballot, voters may have an opportunity to “cure” it, but that process has its own deadline separate from Election Day. Coverage of rejected ballots should distinguish between ballots that are ineligible and those that can still be corrected.
There are also civic obligations worth noting. Texas public high schools are required to offer at least two voter registration opportunities each year to eligible students. And under federal law, voters are entitled to assistance, including language assistance, during the voting process. These provisions can shape reporting on access and equity in elections.
Ultimately, covering Texas elections requires specificity. Early voting rules are not identical to Election Day rules. Registration deadlines are not the same as mail ballot deadlines. And voter ID requirements include exceptions and protections that are easy to overlook. Precision in language is more than stylistic — it directly affects public understanding and, potentially, participation.
