HomeElection Dates and Checklist

November 3, 2026 – General and Joint Election

Get ready to vote in the upcoming election by following this 5 part checklist.

Voter registration active?
Got Photo ID?
Vote in person or by mail?
- Ballot by mail
- In person at polls - times and locations
Research your ballot
Ask for assistance.

Part 1: Is Your Voter Registration Active?

All new registrations or updates - name change, new address - must be completed 30 days before an election.

Existing Voters

Confirm your voter registration is “active” by entering your name and birthday into Voter Lookup at https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/voters/registration/status.

If your record is “suspended” or record can’t be found, see how to update at Confirm your Voter Registration.

New Voters or Voters New to Dallas County

Get registered for the first time. You can start registering online, but you must finish on paper.

New voter registration must be postmarked and/or voter status “active” before Monday, October 5, 2026

Part 2: Got Photo ID?

You’ll need photo identification to vote in person at the polls or to submit an absentee ballot in person. See List of Required ID for Voting in Texas www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/need-id.html and what to do if you can’t get an ID or it is expired.

Part 3: Decide If You Will Be Voting in Person or by "Ballot by Mail"?

Ballot by Mail

Registered voters who are eligible to vote absentee must complete TWO steps.

Step 1 is to submit an application requesting a ballot be mailed to you at least 10 days before Election Day. Then, wait for your ballot to arrive via US Postal Service.
Step 2 is to either (A) mail or (B) submit in-person with photo id the completed absentee ballot by the close of Election Day. See details, tips, and videos at Vote by Mail

See Dallas County Elections Vote by Mail for instructions.

Please see Dallas County Election Office for dates and locations.

In Person at the Polls

All registered Dallas County voters may vote at any Dallas County polling location with photo id. See details, tips, and videos at Vote in Person.

Early Voting	Oct. 19-23, Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM; Oct. 24, Saturday, 7 AM - 7 PM; Oct. 25, Sunday, 12 PM - 6 PM; Oct. 26 - Oct. 30, Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM	Early Voting Information
Election Day	November 3,T uesday, 2026, 7 AM - 7 PM	Election Day Information

Source: Secretary of State Texas and Dallas County Elections Office

Part 4: Research Your Ballot before You Vote.

The League of Women Voters provides nonpartisan (doesn’t support a political party) information about candidates and issues on your ballot through Vote411.org/ Voters Guides. LWV also hosts candidate forums. Check out Research Your Ballot for tips on using Vote411.org, where to pick up a printed Voters Guide, and dates for candidate forums. Remember: No phones are allowed at the polls, so print out or make a list of your selections.

Part 5: Ask for Assistance, Know Your Rights and Report Issues.

Voters with special needs or disability, voters who need a ride to the polls, and voters who would like support in their native language can find resources on the Need Help with Voting page. Voters who encounter issues while registering or voting are encouraged to report issues.

Dallas County Elections Department dallascountyvotes.org - Their phone, email, hours, and address are at https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/contact-us.

Quicklink for this page is https://lwvdallas.org/voting_overview