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November 3, 2026 election law calendar

Texas Secretary of State · 2026-09-08

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	<h1><a name="mainContent"></a>November 3, 2026 Election Law Calendar</h1>
	

<p>The uniform election date in November of even-numbered years,  by statute, is the general election date for federal, state, and county  officers. Additionally, many local political subdivisions have their regular general election for members of their governing bodies in November of even-numbered years, or they may order special elections for this date to vote on propositions or to fill vacancies. Therefore, this calendar is required to  meet the needs of many different governmental bodies. If there are questions about the applicability of something in this calendar to your specific  election, do not hesitate to call the Elections Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683).</p>

<p>Section 2.025 of the Texas Election Code  requires the Secretary of State to set the runoff date for all runoff elections  resulting from an election held on a uniform election date. Pursuant to Section  2.025, the Secretary of State has designated Saturday, December 12, 2026 as the  election date for all runoff elections resulting from elections held by local  political subdivisions on the November 3, 2026 Uniform Election Date.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: Updates to the calendar will be made to the web version of  this calendar. The web version is located on the Secretary of State&rsquo;s website  on the applicable <a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/conducting/index.shtml">Conducting Elections</a> page.</p>

<div style="width: 175px; border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-color: #F5F5F5; color: #000099; padding: 4px;"><a href="javascript:bobexample.sweepToggle('contract')">Collapse All</a> | <a href="javascript:bobexample.sweepToggle('expand')">Expand All</a></div>	

    <h2 id="bobcontent1-title" class="handcursor">1.<a name="Note1"> Campaign Information</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent1" class="switchgroup1">
  
<p>Under Title 15 of the Texas Election Code, candidates running for an office must file campaign contribution and expenditure reports. For further information and all questions about such  disclosure filings, campaign finance, and political advertising, please contact the <a href="https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/">Texas  Ethics Commission</a> at 201 E. 14th, 10th Floor, Austin,  Texas 78701; or call them at 512-463-5800. Candidates filing for federal offices should contact the <a href="http://www.fec.gov/">Federal Election Commission</a> toll-free at 1-800-424-9530 or  visit their website.</p>
</div>

  <h2 id="bobcontent2-title" class="handcursor">2.<a name="Note2"> Statutory and Administrative Code References</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent2" class="switchgroup1">	
		
  <p>Unless otherwise indicated, all references  are to the Texas Election Code. The county election officer is either the  county clerk, the county elections administrator, or the county tax assessor-collector, depending on the actions of the county commissioners court. (Secs. 31.031, 31.071, 31.091). The county voter registrar is either the county  clerk, the county elections administrator, or the county tax assessor- collector, depending on the actions of the county commissioners court. (Secs. 12.001, 12.031, 31.031, 31.071).</p>

<p>References to the Texas Administrative Code  are cited to the relevant section of the &ldquo;T.A.C.&rdquo;</p>

</div>

  <h2 id="bobcontent3-title" class="handcursor">3.<a name="Note3"></a><a name="_3._Notice_of"></a> Web Posting Requirements</h2>
	<div id="bobcontent3" class="switchgroup1">	
		
  <p><a name="_Hlk166764924">P</a>lease see our Web Posting Advisory, <a href="advisory2019-19.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-19</a><u>,</u> and our <a href="../forms/website-posting-requirements.pdf">Web  Posting Chart (PDF)</a> for more details on web posting  requirements. A summary of the requirements is below.</p>

<p>As of January 1, 2020, each county <em>shall  maintain </em>a website. (Sec. 26.16(a), Tax Code).</p>

<p>All political subdivisions with the authority  to tax that maintain a website any time after January 1, 2019, must post the  following items on the entity&rsquo;s Internet website:</p>

<ol>
  <li>The political subdivision&rsquo;s contact information, including a mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address;</li>
  <li>Each  elected officer of the political subdivision;</li>
  <li>The  date and location of the next election for officers of the political  subdivision;</li>
  <li>The  requirements and deadline for filing for candidacy of each elected office of  the political subdivision which shall be continuously posted or at least one  year before the election day for the office;</li>
  <li>Each  notice of a meeting of the political subdivision&rsquo;s governing body under  Subchapter C, Chapter 551 of the Government Code; and</li>
  <li>Each  record of a meeting of the political subdivision&rsquo;s governing body under Section  551.021 of the Government Code. (Sec. 2051.201, Government Code).</li>
</ol>
<p>Our office recommends consulting with your  political subdivision&rsquo;s local counsel regarding the particular posting  requirements under Subdivisions (5) and (6) referenced above. Please note, the  requirements for posting notice of meetings and record of meetings of the  political subdivision&rsquo;s governing body do not apply to:</p>

<ol>
  <li>A  county with a population of less than 10,000;</li>
  <li>A  municipality with a population of less than 5,000 located in a county with a  population of less than 25,000; or</li>
  <li>A  school district with a population of less than 5,000 in the district&rsquo;s  boundaries and located in a county with a population of less than 25,000.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:Section 2051.202 of the Government Code  requires a special purpose district with certain financial and population  characteristics to post specific information on an Internet website. &ldquo;Special  purpose district&quot; excludes from the term a municipality, county, junior  college district, independent school district, groundwater conservation  district, river authority, or political subdivision with statewide  jurisdiction. (Sec. 2051.202, Government Code).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> During  the 21 days before the election, a debt obligation order under Section 3.009  must be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s Internet website, prominently and together with the notice of the election, a copy of the sample ballot, and the  contents of the proposition, if the political subdivision maintains an Internet website. Please see our sample form that the political subdivision may use when posting the online information required as referenced above. <em>See</em> <a href="#Note8">Note 8 </a>for more information on notice requirements.</p>

<p><a name="_Hlk216968723"></a><a name="_Hlk216968764"><strong>N</strong></a><strong>OTE</strong>:Section 63.0015 requires election officers to  post on the county clerk&rsquo;s/election administrator&rsquo;s website all procedures and  accommodations available for voters with disabilities in an accessible manner.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:Under Section 4.009 of the Code, not later than the 21st day before election day, a county that holds an election or provides election services for an election must post certain information  related to their upcoming elections. A city or independent school district that holds an election and maintains an Internet website must post the same information on their website even if the county is also posting this data.</p>

<ul type="disc">
     <li>The date of the election;</li>
     <li>The location of each polling place;</li>
     <li>Each candidate for an elected office on the ballot; and</li>
     <li>Each measure on the ballot. (Sec. 4.009)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:Section 65.016 requires a county that holds an election or provides election services for an election for a public entity  to post certain information on their website. A city or independent school  district that holds an election and maintains a website must also post certain  information on their website related to election results, even if the county is  also posting such information. Information should be posted <strong>as soon as  practicable after the election </strong>and must be accessible without having  to make more than two selections or view more than two network locations after  accessing the home page of the county, city or school district, whichever is  applicable. Required information on the websites must include:</p>

<ul>
     <li>the results of each election;</li>
     <li>the total number of votes cast;</li>
     <li>the total number of votes cast for each candidate or for or against each measure;</li>
     <li>the total number of votes cast by personal appearance on election day;</li>
     <li>the total number of votes cast by personal appearance or mail during the early voting period; and</li>
     <li>the total number of counted and uncounted provisional ballots cast. (Sec. 65.016).</li>
</ul>
<p>We recommend that election results information remain posted on the entity&rsquo;s main page (or within two clicks of the main page) at least until the next election, and that the information  continues to be available for the full 22-month retention period for election records. Entities may choose to make older election results information available on their website.</p>

<p><a name="_Hlk138792404"><strong>N</strong></a><strong>OTE</strong>:Section 51.002 requires that notice of a meeting of the county election board be posted at least 48 hours before each meeting. The county clerk/elections administrator shall post notice of the  meeting on the county&rsquo;s website if the county maintains a website.</p>

</div>

  <h2 id="bobcontent4-title" class="handcursor">4.<a name="Note4"></a><a name="_4._Note_on"></a>Required Use of County Polling Places</h2>
	<div id="bobcontent4" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><strong>Political subdivisions holding an election on  the November uniform election date MUST use county election precincts  and the county polling places on election day</strong>. (Secs. 42.002, 42.0621, 43.004). This is the case even when the county  has adopted the countywide polling place system; in that case the political  subdivision <strong>must</strong> have a presence in every countywide location in the  county, not just the locations physically within the territory of the political  subdivision. (Secs. 42.002, 43.007(e)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: When a  county is using the countywide polling place program and a court order requires  any of the polling locations to remain open past 7 p.m., ALL countywide polling  place locations MUST remain open for the same amount of time, as required by  the court order. (Sec. 43.007).</p>

<p>In an election held by a political subdivision other than a county on the November uniform election date, and in which the political subdivision is not holding a joint election with a county or has not executed a contract with a county elections officer under which the  political subdivision and the county share early voting polling places for the election, the political subdivision must designate as one of its own early voting sites one of the early voting sites established by the county that is  located in the political subdivision. If such a shared polling place is designated as the main early voting polling place by the political subdivision, it must be open for voting for all political subdivisions the polling place serves for at least the days and hours required of a main early voting polling place for the political subdivision making the designation. (Secs. 85.010, 85.002).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> As  this election is being held on the date of the general election for state and  county officers, no consolidation of county election precincts may occur. (Secs. 42.002(b), 42.008, 42.009).</p>
</div>

  <h2 id="bobcontent5-title" class="handcursor">5.<a name="Note5"> Notice of Candidate Filing Periods</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent5" class="switchgroup1">	
		
  <p>For more information on local political subdivision elections, <em>see</em> <a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/candidates-guide-for-local-political-subdivisions.shtml">the  Candidate&rsquo;s Guide for Local Political Subdivisions.</a></p>

  <p>For more information on the candidate voter registration requirement, <em>see</em> <a href="voter-reg-req-candidate-faq.shtml">Voter Registration Requirements for Candidates</a>.</p>

  <p>The authority with whom an application for a  place on the ballot is filed must post a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-1f.pdf">Notice  of Deadline to File an Application for Place on the Ballot (PDF),</a> designating  an email address and listing the filing period dates in a building in which the  authority maintains an office. The notice must be posted not later than the  30th day <strong>before </strong>the first day to file. (Sec. 141.040). If you  order a special election to fill a vacancy, the order must include the filing  deadline. We recommend posting the notice of the filing period as soon as  practicable after a special election is ordered. Note that an application for a  place on the ballot for a special election may not be filed before the election is ordered. (Sec. 201.054).</p>

  <p><strong>NOTE: </strong> The authority with whom an application for a place on the ballot is filed <strong>MUST</strong> designate  an e- mail address in the notice required by Section 141.040 of the Code for the purpose of filing an application for a place on the ballot. (Sec. 141.040).</p>

  <p><strong>County Appraisal Districts in Counties with a Population of  75,000 or more: </strong>After the relevant part of  SB 2 (2025, 2nd C.S.) became effective in July 2024, appraisal districts in  counties with a population of 75,000 or more are governed by boards of nine  directors. Under Tax Code Section 6.0301(c), a CAD board is made up of both  appointed and elected directors. Five of the directors are appointed by the taxing units that participate in the district, while three directors are  elected by majority vote of the voters in the county where the district  operates. The elected directors are on the ballot at the general election for state and county officers (which happens in November of even years). All three elected  CAD director positions will be on the ballot for the November 2026 election.</p>

  <p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: </strong>Pursuant  toHB 3575 (2025, R.S.), effective immediately, CAD board candidates must file their application for a place on the ballot with the <strong>county clerk/elections administrator</strong>. Candidates can  no longer file their application with the county judge. Please <em>see</em> <a href="running-for-county-appraisal-districts-2026.shtml">Running for County Appraisal Districts in 2026</a>. </p>

  <p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW:</strong> Pursuant to HB 148 (2025, R.S.),  effective September 1, 2025, an individual may not file an application for a  place on the ballot for an elected position on the board of directors of an  appraisal district unless the individual has signed the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-68f.pdf">Acknowledgement of Duties of Member of  Appraisal District Board of Directors (PDF)</a>. The signed acknowledgement must be submitted  to the <strong>chief appraiser of the appraisal district</strong>.</p>

</div>

    <h2 id="bobcontent6-title" class="handcursor">6. Joint Election Requirement for School Districts</h2>
		<div id="bobcontent6" class="switchgroup1">
  
<p><a name="_Hlk216968957"></a>School  districts conducting trustee elections must have joint polling places on  election day. At minimum, a school district needs to share polling places with  a county on the November uniform election date in even-numbered years, city, or  public junior college district conducting an election on the uniform election  day. Sharing polling places is sufficient to meet the joint election  requirement.</p>

<p>For additional information, please <em>see</em> <a href="isd-joint-elections.shtml">Mandatory  ISD Joint Elections FAQ</a>.	</p>

	</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent7-title" class="handcursor">7.<a name="Note7"> Joint Elections Generally</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent7" class="switchgroup1">		
			
<p><a name="_Hlk216968980"></a>Many entities will have joint elections for  the November 3, 2026 election. Note that the entries in this calendar are  generally written in terms of elections held individually rather than jointly.</p>

<p>With a few exceptions, we do not discuss the  impact of coordinating rules for a joint election, as we think this would make  the calendar longer and confusing. We encourage joint election partners to read  through the entire calendar, taking note of the rules affecting the partner  entities and to address the differences within the agreement itself. If you  have questions about how different rules apply to a particular joint election  plan, please contact our office by phone or email.</p>

</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent8-title" class="handcursor">8.<a name="Note8">Notice of Elections</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent8" class="switchgroup1">	
		
		
<p>Political subdivisions other than cities and  school districts may have specific statutory notice requirements. In the absence  of specific statutory requirements, such political subdivisions must post a  notice on or before the 21st day before the election. (Sec. 4.003(b)). For the Tuesday,  November 3, 2026 election, this notice must be posted on or before Tuesday, October  13, 2026. The general rule is that, additionally, notice must be given using  one of the following methods:</p>

<ol>
  <li>By  posting a notice in each election precinct in which the election is to be held  on or before the 21st day before the election, Tuesday, October 13, 2026. (Sec.  4.003(a)(2)).</li>
  <li>By  publishing the notice at least once between the 30th day and the 10th day  before the election, Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Saturday, October 24, 2026.</li>
  <li>By  mailing a copy of the notice to each registered voter of the territory covered  by the election, not later than the 10th day before election day, Saturday, October  24, 2026. (Sec. 4.003(a)(3)).</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Cities and School Districts: </strong>Cities  and school districts are required to publish their notice in a newspaper in accordance with Section 4.003(a)(1) (See number 2 above) and may also give any additional notice. (Sec. 4.003(c)). The county must post any notice provided to the county by a political subdivision conducting  an election in the county to the county&rsquo;s website no later than the 21st day before election day, Tuesday, October 13, 2026. (Sec. 4.003(b)). </p>

<p><strong>Note for Counties: </strong>Notice of an election ordered by the governor or by a county authority must be published in a newspaper; the county may also give any additional notice. (Secs. 4.003(a)(1), 4.003(c)). The county must post a copy of the election notice on the county&rsquo;s website, if the county maintains a website. It is recommended that the county election officer post notice on the bulletin board that is used for meetings. (Sec. 4.003(b)). (Sec. 26.16(a), Tax  Code).</p>

<p><strong>Note for Counties: </strong>Section 4.003 requires that counties post on the county website the notice and list of  polling locations of any political subdivision that delivers their notice to the county under Section 4.008. This is regardless of whether the county is contracting with the entity. (Secs. 1.021, 4.004, 85.007).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: In addition to any other notice given, notice of an election ordered by the governor, by a county authority, or by an authority of a city or school district must be given by the method prescribed by Section 4.003(a)(1) of the Code. (Sec. 4.003(c)).</p>

<p><strong>Note for All Political Subdivisions Except Counties: </strong>The governing body of a political subdivision must deliver notice of the election to the county election officer and voter registrar of each county in which the political subdivision is located not later than the 60th day before election day, Friday, September 4, 2026. (Sec. 4.008).</p>

<h3>This notice must include:</h3>
<ol>
  <li>The type and date of the election;</li>
  <li>The location of the main early voting polling place<strong>, including the street  address, room number, and building name. The notice must designate which  location is the main early voting polling place</strong>;</li>
  <li>The location of each polling place, <strong>including the street address, room  number, and building name</strong>;</li>
  <li>The hours the polls will be open;</li>
  <li>The regular dates and hours for early voting by personal appearance;</li>
  <li>The dates and hours of any Saturday or Sunday early voting;</li>
  <li>The early voting clerk&rsquo;s official mailing address or street address at which the  clerk may receive delivery by common or contract carrier, if different, phone  number, e-mail address, and the Internet website, if the early voting clerk has an Internet website;</li>
  <li>We recommend that the information regarding branch early voting locations be  included as part of your notice; and</li>
  <li>Any other information required by law.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Note regarding branch early voting locations: </strong>The branch early voting locations are no longer a required part of your notice under the Texas Election Code. (Sec. 4.004).</p>

<p> The following forms may be used:</p>

<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-12f.pdf">Notice of General Election for Counties (PDF)</a></li>
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-14f.pdf">Notice of General Election for Municipalities</a></li>
  <li><u><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-15f.pdf">Notice of General Election for Other Political Subdivisions (Including Schools) (PDF)</a></u></li>
  <li><u><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-13f.pdf">Notice of Special Election for Counties (PDF) </a></u></li>
  <li><u><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-16f.pdf">Notice of Special Election (Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions (PDF)</a></u></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>All Political Subdivisions: </strong>The election notice shall be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website, if the political subdivision maintains a website. For political subdivisions other than counties, the original order and notice should include all days and hours for early voting by personal appearance, including voting on <strong>ANY </strong>Saturday or Sunday. (Secs. 85.006, 85.007).</p>

<p><strong>Notice for Political Subdivisions other than Counties, School Districts, and Cities: </strong>Political  subdivisions other than counties, school districts, and cities may have specific statutory election notice requirements either in their enabling acts or in the code governing them (such as the Water Code). In the absence of specific statutory requirements, such political subdivisions may post a copy of the notice on or before the 21st day before the election (i.e., Tuesday, October 13, 2026) on the bulletin board used for posting notices of the meetings of the governing body of the political subdivision. (Sec. 4.003(b)).</p>

<p><strong>Notice for Bond Elections: </strong>Entities holding bond elections must provide additional notice under Section 4.003(f). A debt obligation order under Section 3.009 must be posted:</p>

<ol>
  <li>On election day and during early voting by personal appearance, in a prominent  location at each polling place;</li>
  <li>Not later than the 21st day before the election, which is Tuesday, October 13, 2026,  in three public places in the boundaries of the political subdivision holding the election; and</li>
  <li>During the 21 days before the election, on the political subdivision&rsquo;s Internet website, prominently and together with the notice of the election, a copy of  the sample ballot, and the contents of the proposition, if the political  subdivision maintains an Internet website.</li>
</ol>
<p>The same requirements apply to the voter information document required by Government Code Section 1251.052(b) (see law for full contents of notice). The requirement  referenced in Section 1251.052(b) of the Government Code applies to a political  subdivision with at least 250 registered voters on the date the governing body of the political subdivision adopts the debt obligation election order.</p>

<p><strong>Home-Rule Charter Cities: </strong>Home-rule cities MUST also give notice as provided in their charters.</p>

<p><strong>Notice of Nearest Polling Places in Countywide Election: </strong>EACH countywide polling place must post a notice, at that location, of the four nearest locations, by driving distance. (Sec. 43.007(o)). <a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-51f.pdf">Notice  of Four Nearest Countywide Polling Place Locations (PDF).</a></p>


	</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent9-title" class="handcursor">9.<a name="Note9"> Note on Regular Days and Hours for Voting</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent9" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><strong>Counties</strong>: For  elections in which the county is serving as the early voting clerk, early  voting must be conducted at the main early voting location on each weekday that is not a legal state holiday for a period of <strong>at least nine (9) hours</strong>. Voting may not be conducted earlier than 6:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM. (Sec.  85.005(a)).</p>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties</strong>: For  all other elections in which the county is <strong>NOT </strong>the early  voting clerk, early voting must be conducted at the main early voting location  on each weekday that is not a legal state holiday for a period of <strong>at  least nine (9) hours </strong>unless the territory has fewer than 1,000  registered votes. For territories with less than 1,000 registered voters,  voting shall be conducted for <strong>at least four (4) hours </strong>each  day. (Sec. 85.005(b)).</p>

<p><strong>Note for Cities</strong>:  Section 85.005(d) no longer requires cities to choose two weekdays for the main  early voting polling place location to be open for at least 12 hours during the  regular early voting period. (Sec. 85.005).</p>



	</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent10-title" class="handcursor">10.<a name="Note10">Note on Extended Early Voting Hours</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent10" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<h3>Extended  Early Voting Hours</h3>
<p>For information on extended early voting  weekday hours, ordering voting on any Saturday or Sunday, and Chapter 19 Funds,  please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2023-10.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2023-10</a>.</p>

<p>Early voting hours for the main early-voting polling  place are as follows:</p>


<table class="norm2" summary="Early voting hours for Week 1">
	<caption>Week 1</caption>
  <tr>
    <th width="15%" valign="top" scope="col"><a name="Note12"></a><a name="_Hlk178946297">Sunday</a></th>
    <th width="15%" valign="top" scope="col">Monday</th>
    <th width="20%" valign="top" scope="col">Tuesday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Wednesday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Thursday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Friday</th>
    <th width="20%" valign="top" scope="col">Saturday</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="15%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>October 18</strong></td>
    <td width="15%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>19</strong></td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>20</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>21</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>22</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>23</strong></td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>24</strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="15%" valign="top"><p align="center">X</p>
</td>
    <td width="15%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 9 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 9 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 9 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 9 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 9 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
  </tr>
</table>	<br />

	  <table class="norm2" summary="Early voting hours for Week 2">
	<caption>
	Week 
	2
	</caption>
  <tr>
    <th width="15%" valign="top" scope="col"><a name="Note12"></a><a name="_Hlk178946297">Sunday</a></th>
    <th width="15%" valign="top" scope="col">Monday</th>
    <th width="20%" valign="top" scope="col">Tuesday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Wednesday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Thursday</th>
    <th width="10%" valign="top" scope="col">Friday</th>
    <th width="20%" valign="top" scope="col">Saturday</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="15%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>October 25</strong></td>
    <td width="15%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>26</strong></td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>27</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>28</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>29</strong></td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>30</strong></td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>31</strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="15%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 6 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="15%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="10%" valign="top"><p align="center">At least 12 hours</p>
</td>
    <td width="20%" valign="top"><p align="center">None</p>
</td>
  </tr>
</table> <br />

		<table class="norm2" summary="Early voting hours for Week 3">
	<caption>
	Week 
	3
	</caption>
  <tr>
    <th width="33%" valign="top" scope="col"><a name="Note12"></a><a name="_Hlk178946297">Sunday</a></th>
    <th width="34%" valign="top" scope="col">Monday</th>
    <th width="33%" valign="top" scope="col">Tuesday</th>
    </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="33%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>November 1</strong></td>
    <td width="34%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>2</strong></td>
    <td width="33%" valign="top" class="align-r"><strong>3</strong></td>
    </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="33%" valign="top"><p align="center">None</p>
</td>
    <td width="34%" valign="top"><p align="center">None</p>
</td>
    <td width="33%" valign="top"><p align="center">Election Day</p>
</td>
    </tr>
</table>
		<p>For  more information on early voting changes, please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2023-10.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2023-10</a>.</p>

		
		<h3>Extended Early Voting Hours</h3>
		
		<p><strong>Note for ALL counties</strong>: Voting in the general election for state and county officers shall be conducted at the main early voting location for at least 12 consecutive hours on each weekday of the last week of early voting. Voting may not be conducted earlier  than 6:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM. (Sec. 85.005(c)).</p>

		
		<h3>Weekend Early Voting Hours</h3>
		
		<p><strong>NOTE  FOR ALL COUNTIES REGARDLESS OF POPULATION SIZE</strong>: The main early voting location must  be open for at least 12 consecutive hours on the last Saturday of the early  voting period, except that voting may not be conducted earlier than 6:00 AM or  later than 10:00 PM, and for at least 6 consecutive hours on the last Sunday of  the early voting period, except that voting may not be conducted earlier than  9:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM. (Sec. 85.006(e)).</p>

		
		<p><strong>NOTE  FOR COUNTIES WITH A POPULATION OF 100,000 OR MORE</strong>: In counties with a population of  100,000 or more, early voting must be conducted for at least 12 consecutive  hours on the last Saturday and at least 6 consecutive hours on the last Sunday  of the early voting period at any required temporary branch locations (created  under Section 85.062(d) of the Texas Election Code). (Secs. 85.006(e),  85.062(d), 85.064(d)).</p>

		
		<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: There is no petition process to  require a county with a population less than 100,000 to conduct weekend early  voting at temporary branch locations. However, the early voting clerk may  voluntarily order weekend early voting at temporary branch locations by written  order if they choose to do so.</p>

		<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section 19.004 of the Code provides  that if the registrar&rsquo;s county has a population of less than 55,000, the county  may use Chapter 19 funding to defray the cost to the registrar&rsquo;s county of  keeping the polling places in the county open during the early voting period as  required under Sections 85.005(c), 85.006(e), and 85.064(d).</p>

		
		<p><strong>Note  for Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties: </strong>Voting on ANY Saturday or Sunday must  be included in the order and notice of election. The order and notice must  include the dates and hours of Saturday or Sunday voting. (Secs. 85.006,  85.007). The political subdivision must have early voting on Saturday or  Sunday, if a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-13f.pdf">written request (PDF)</a> is received from at least 15  registered voters of the political subdivision prior to the election being  ordered. (Sec. 85.006(d)). The election notice must be posted on the political  subdivision&rsquo;s website, if the political subdivision maintains a website. (Sec.  85.007).</p>

		
	<p><strong>Note  for Cities: </strong>In  an election in which a city secretary is the early voting clerk, voting on any  Saturday or Sunday must be included in the order and notice of election. City  secretaries no longer have the authority to order Saturday or Sunday early  voting 72 hours immediately preceding the first hour that voting will be  conducted. However, the city must have early voting on Saturday or Sunday, if  a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-13f.pdf">written request (PDF)</a> is received from at least 15  registered voters of the political subdivision prior to the election being  ordered. (Secs. 85.006, 85.007).</p>
</div>

    <h2 id="bobcontent11-title" class="handcursor">11. <a name="Note11">Note on Temporary Branch Locations</a></h2>
		<div id="bobcontent11" class="switchgroup1">
		  <p>In  the general election for state and county officers, a certain number of  temporary branch locations must be established depending on the population size  of the county:</p>

		  <ol>
		    <li>in a county with a population of  400,000 or more, the commissioners court <strong>must </strong>establish one or  more temporary polling places, other than the main early voting polling place,  in each state representative district containing territory covered by the  election.</li>
		    <li>in a county with a population of  120,000 or more but less than 400,000, the commissioners court <strong>must </strong>establish  one or more temporary polling places, other than the main early voting polling  place, in each commissioners precinct containing territory covered by the  election.</li>
		    <li>in a county with a population of  100,000 or more but less than 120,000, the early voting clerk <strong>must </strong>establish  one or more early voting polling places in each commissioners precinct for  which the early voting clerk receives a <strong>timely filed written request by  at least 15 registered voters of that precinct</strong>.</li>
	      </ol>
		  <p>The  temporary polling place(s) must remain open for each weekday of the early  voting period that the main early voting polling place will be open. The  temporary branch polling place(s) must be open at least eight hours each day.  (Secs. 85.062, 85.064).</p>

		  <p><strong>NOTE</strong>:Section 85.062 provides that the  location of temporary branch polling places in an election in which countywide  polling places are used must be determined with the same methodology that is  used for the location of countywide polling places.</p>

			
		  <p><strong>NOTE</strong>:  In a countywide election, the total number of  permanent branch polling places and temporary branch polling places open for  voting at the same time in a commissioners precinct may not exceed twice the  number of permanent branch and temporary branch polling places open at that  time in another commissioners precinct. (Sec. 85.062(f)).</p>

			
		  <p><strong>NOTE</strong>: If the early voting clerk is a county  election officer or city secretary, the clerk must post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-17f.pdf">notice (PDF)</a> for  each election stating any dates and the hours that voting on Saturday or Sunday  will be conducted under Section 85.064(d). (Sec. 85.068).</p>

		  <p><strong>Note for all political subdivisions: </strong>If a  local political subdivision is contracting for election services with a county,  or is holding a joint election with the county, the local political  subdivision <strong>must </strong>amend their order and notice of election to  include any weekend early voting that the county is conducting.</p>

			
		  <p><strong>NOTE</strong>: Section 85.064 requires  early voting by personal appearance at each temporary branch polling places to  be conducted on the days that early voting is required to be conducted at the  main early voting polling place under Section 85.005 and <strong>MUST </strong>remain  open for at least eight (8) hours each day; or for at least three (3) hours  each day if the <strong>city or county clerk/elections administrator does not serve </strong>as  the early voting clerk for the territory holding the election and the territory  has fewer than 1,000 registered voters. For certain political subdivisions,  this will require your temporary branch locations to be open on every weekday  of the early voting period, for at least eight hours on each of those days</p>

		  <p><strong>NOTE</strong>:  Section 19.004 of the Code provides that if the registrar&rsquo;s county has a  population of less than 55,000, the county may use Chapter 19 funding to defray  the cost to the registrar&rsquo;s county of keeping the polling places in the county  open during the early voting period as required under Sections 85.005(c),  85.006(e), and 85.064(d).</p>



  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>Note for Cities: </strong><a name="_Hlk176789402">City secretaries no longer have the authority to order Saturday or Sunday early  voting. Any weekend early voting hours must be ordered by city council. </a>(Secs. 85.006, 85.007).</p>

  </blockquote>
 
	</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent12-title" class="handcursor">12. Note on Notice of Previous Polling Place</h2>
	<div id="bobcontent12" class="switchgroup1">		

<p>If a different polling place is being used from the previous election held by the same authority, a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-50f.pdf">Notice  of Change to Polling Place</a> must be posted at the entrance of the  previous polling place informing voters of the current polling place location, if possible. (Sec. 43.062).</p>


	</div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent13-title" class="handcursor">13.<a name="Note13">Note on Notice of Change of Polling Place Location</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent13" class="switchgroup1">	
		
		
<p>For elections ordered by the <strong>governor  or county judge only</strong>, if the location of the polling place changes after  notice has been given under Section 4.003 of the Texas Election Code, and the  county election officer maintains a website to inform voters about elections,  the notice of the change must be posted on the website. The notice on the  website must be posted not later than the earlier of (1) 24 hours after the  location was changed; or (2) 72 hours before the polls open on election day.  (Sec. 43.061). <strong>As a reminder, notice should also be provided to the  Secretary of State regarding any changes made to the location of polling  places. </strong><a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-50f.pdf">Notice of Change in Polling Place (PDF).</a></p>

<p>For the counties that are conducting a legislative-vacancy election, the candidates listed on the ballot are entitled  to receive notice directly from the county judge.</p>

</div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent14-title" class="handcursor">14.<a name="Note14">Note on Combining Precincts</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent14" class="switchgroup1">	
		
		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 985 (2025, R.S.) </strong>amended Section 42.0051 of the Code, effective September 1, 2025, to allow election officials to combine county election precincts with fewer than 3,000 registered voters to avoid  unreasonable expenditures for election equipment, supplies, and personnel. Counties that do not participate in the countywide polling place program under Section 43.007 may combine precincts if election officials cannot secure a suitable polling-place location under Section 43.031 and the location of the combined polling place adequately serves the voters of the combined precinct. If you have questions about combining districts under this provision, please  contact the Secretary of State&rsquo;s Elections Division.</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: A county cannot consolidate election precincts in the November General Election for  state and county officers. The consolidation of precincts is only available in a special election that requires the use of county election precincts, such as  a constitutional amendment election or an election to fill a legislative or  congressional vacancy (Sec. 42.008), or in a primary election (Sec. 42.009). Please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2025-13.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2025-13.</a></p>


	</div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent15-title" class="handcursor">15.<a name="Note15">Note on Testing Tabulating and Electronic Voting Equipment</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent15" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.) </strong>modifies the requirements for conducting the Public Logic and Accuracy and the  Tabulation Testing for automatic tabulating. These changes clarify the testing requirements and procedures for these tests to harmonize testing and notice requirements, codify existing testing procedures, establish deadlines for conducting the testing, and require testing of electronic-pollbook systems.</p>

<h3>Ballot Proofing:</h3>
<p>Once all candidate filing deadlines have  passed, we recommend that you proof your ballot programming as soon as possible, and before the Public Logic and Accuracy Test is conducted. Early  proofing will allow adequate time to locate any errors and make any necessary  corrections in ballot programming. <strong>We also strongly suggest that you  have candidates proof their names and offices before finalizing the ballot to  avoid the necessity for last-minute ballot corrections.</strong></p>

		
<h3>Logic and Accuracy Test (L&amp;A) and First Tabulation Test:</h3>
		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, clarifies the requirements for the Public L&amp;A test and tabulation testing by requiring them to be conducted at the same time  and by distinguishing the testing procedures for precinct scanners from the  testing procedures for central accumulators. The bill also harmonizes the  notice requirements for both tests and requires the testing to be performed by  the 48th day before election day. (Secs. 127.092, 127.096, 127.099, 129.021).</p>

		
<p>The initial public testing of your electronic voting equipment must be completed no later than the 48th day before election  day. However, if the test cannot be conducted by the 48th day deadline, then the general custodian shall conduct the test as soon as practicable after that date and must notify the Secretary of State&rsquo;s Office within 24 hours of the determination that the deadline cannot be met. (Sec. 129.023).</p>

		
<p>This testing process will consist of three  basic tests that are conducted simultaneously:</p>

<ul type="disc">
  <li><strong>Public Logic and Accuracy Test (L&amp;A) </strong>– This test is designed to ensure that your system is accurately marking your ballots and tabulating the ballots marked by your system. (Sec. 127.092).</li>
  <li><strong>First Tabulation Test of Central Counting Station Equipment </strong>– This test is designed to ensure that       your central scanners and central accumulator are functioning correctly and tabulating ballots correctly. (Sec. 127.093).</li>
  <li><strong>Tabulation Test of Polling Place Equipment </strong>– This test is designed to ensure your precinct scanners are functioning correctly and tabulating ballots correctly. (Sec. 127.092).</li>
</ul>
		
<p>These tests are conducted by a testing board consisting of at least two persons, with at least one person from each  political party. The testing board members are appointed by the general  custodian of election records. (Sec. 127.092).</p>

<p>Notice of the public testing of your voting system must be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website at least 48 hours  before the test begins. Please note that you are no longer required to publish notice in the newspaper for the First Tabulation Test.</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: If  logic and accuracy testing is being conducted for an election in which a county  election board has been established under Section 51.002 of the Texas Election  Code, the general custodian of election records shall notify each member of the  board of the test at least 48 hours before the date of the test. If the county  election board chooses to witness the test, each member shall sign the  statement required for logic and accuracy testing. (Sec. 129.023(b-2)).</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:<strong> NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective  September 1, 2025, requires the general custodian of election records to demonstrate, using a representative sample of voting system equipment, that the  source code of the equipment has not been altered. For purposes of this requirement, a &ldquo;representative sample&rdquo; means ten of each type of voting device,  or five percent of each type of voting device to be used in the election,  whichever number is smaller. <em>See </em><a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a> and <a href="advisory2022-30.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-30</a> for more information on hash validation and voting system procedures.</p>

		
<p>For additional guidance on the procedures for conducting the public testing of your voting system, please review <a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a>. An updated advisory is forthcoming.</p>

		
<p><strong>Second and Third Tabulation Tests of Central Counting Station Equipment:</strong></p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, modifies the procedures for tabulation testing by  clarifying that precinct scanners are required to be tested once as part of the  Public L&amp;A test, while central counting station equipment is required to be  tested three times for each election. The First Tabulation Test of Central  Counting Station Equipment and the Tabulation Test of Polling Place Equipment  are discussed in the section above. (Secs. 127.092, 127.094).</p>

		
<p>The automatic tabulating equipment used for  counting ballots at a central counting station must be tested three times for  each election. This includes any central scanners and any central accumulators  used at the central counting station. The first test of this equipment is  conducted alongside the Public L&amp;A test and the Tabulation Test of Polling  Place Equipment, and must be performed no later than the 48th day before  election day. (Sec. 129.023).</p>

		
<p>The Second Tabulation Test of Central Counting Station Equipment must be conducted immediately before the counting of  ballots with the equipment begins. The Third Test must be conducted immediately after the counting of ballots with the equipment is completed. The electronic  media created from the First Test are what must be used for testing the  tabulating equipment for the Second and Third Tests. (<a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a>).</p>

		
<p>For additional guidance on the procedures for conducting the Second and Third Tests of your Central Counting Station  Equipment, please review <a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a>. An updated  advisory is forthcoming.</p>

		
<p><strong>Logic and Accuracy Testing of Electronic Pollbooks:</strong></p>

<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>,  effective September 1, 2025, requires logic and accuracy testing for electronic  pollbook systems to be conducted for each election.</p>

<p>The general custodian of election records is  required to conduct a test of logic and accuracy of the electronic pollbook  system used in the election. The test must be conducted at least 48 hours  before voting begins in an election. (Sec. 129.0231).</p>

<p>The test must verify that:</p>

<ul type="disc">
  <li>The database of voters is correctly loaded onto the system and devices;</li>
  <li>Peripheral devices used with the system are functioning correctly;</li>
  <li>Ballot styles have been correctly assigned to voters; and</li>
  <li>Any ballots issued by the system and any peripheral devices used with the system are correctly read by any voting       system used in the election. (Sec. 129.0231(c)).</li>
</ul>

<p>Notice of the test must be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website at least 48 hours before the test begins. If  the political subdivision does not maintain a website, the notice must be  posted on the bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the  political subdivision&rsquo;s governing body.</p>

    </div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent16-title" class="handcursor">16.<a name="Note16">Note on Accepting Voters with Certain Disabilities and Curbside Voting</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent16" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 521 (2025, R.S.), </strong>effective September 1, 2025, makes several  changes to curbside voting and assistance procedures. <em>See </em><a href="advisory2025-12.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory  No. 2025-12</a>.</p>

		
<p>The <strong><em>recommended </em></strong>time to  post the voting-order priority notice on a county website is when the Notice of  Election is posted. (Sec. 85.007(d)). <em>See </em><a href="#Note8">Note 8 </a>regarding  Notice of Elections.</p>

		
<p><strong>Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions</strong>: It is <strong><em>strongly recommended </em></strong>that  the notice regarding accepting voters with certain disabilities also be posted  on the subdivision&rsquo;s website, if one is maintained by the political subdivision.    </p>
</div>	
	
	<h2 id="bobcontent17-title" class="handcursor">17. <a name="Note17">Note on Law Regarding Submission of FPCAs and ABBMs</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent17" class="switchgroup1">	
	
<p>If an ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA  is faxed, then the applicant <strong>must </strong>submit the ORIGINAL  application BY MAIL to the early voting clerk so that the early voting  clerk <strong>receives the original no later than the 4th business day after  receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA. </strong>If the early voting  clerk does not receive the original ABBM or FPCA by that deadline, then the  emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA will be considered incomplete, and the  early voting clerk may NOT send the applicant a ballot. The early voting clerk  should retain a copy of the FPCA for their own records, but should send the  FPCA submitted by the voter to the Voter Registrar for registration purposes.  (Sec. 84.007).</p>

		
<p>If a voter faxes or emails the ABBM or faxes  the FPCA, the date the early voting clerk receives the fax or email is  considered the date of submission. Essentially, the faxed or emailed form  serves as a place-holder for the voter. Therefore, a voter whose application  was faxed or emailed by the 11th day before election day (which is Friday, October  23, 2026, the deadline), and whose original application is received on or  before the 4th business day after that date, would still be entitled to receive  a ballot for the election (if otherwise eligible). The early voting clerk will  have to hold the faxed or emailed ABBM or faxed FPCA until the clerk receives  the original, and would only send the voter a ballot if the original is  received by the 4th business day after the faxed or emailed ABBM or faxed FPCA  was received.</p>

		
<p>The requirement to mail the original  application does not apply to an <strong>emailed </strong>FPCA, but does apply  to a faxed FPCA.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>A  person is eligible for an FPCA if the person is qualified to vote in this state  or, if not registered to vote in this state, would be qualified if registered  and the person is:</p>

<ul type="disc">
  <li>a member of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member;</li>
  <li>a member of the merchant marine of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member;</li>
  <li>a member of the Texas National Guard or  the National Guard of another state or a member of a reserve component of       the armed forces of the United States serving on active duty under an order of the president of the United States; or activated on state orders, or the spouse or dependent of a member; or</li>
  <li>a United States citizen that is temporarily living outside of the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia. (Sec. 101.001).</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> An  FPCA may be submitted by in-person delivery by the voter in accordance with  Section 84.008 or by common or contract carrier. Further, an application is  considered submitted in the following calendar year if: 1) the applicant is  eligible to vote in an election occurring in January or February of the next  calendar year; and 2) the application is submitted in the last 60 days of a  calendar year but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January  or February election. (Sec. 101.052).</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE:  </strong>An  applicant for a ballot to be voted by mail may submit the application by  delivering it in person to the early voting clerk if the application is  submitted not later than the deadline provided by Section 84.007(c) of the  Code. This means that voters may personally deliver their ABBM or FPCA to the  early voting clerk not later than the close of regular business in the early  voting clerk&rsquo;s office or 12 noon, whichever is later, on the 11th day before  election day (unless that day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal state or national  holiday, in which case the last day is the first preceding regular business  day). (Sec. 84.008).</p>

		
    </div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent18-title" class="handcursor">18.<a name="Note18">Note on Opportunity to Correct Defect(s) with Application for Ballot by Mail and Carrier Envelope</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent18" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2964 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective  September 1, 2025, requires the early voting clerk to send a voter a notice of  defect and a corrective action form no later than two days after discovering  the defect and before the time of delivery to the early voting ballot board by  common carrier or contract carrier. Please note that this <strong>eliminates  the option for early voting clerks to return the defective carrier envelope to  the voter in person or by mail</strong>. (Sec. 86.011).</p>

		
<p>The notice provided to the voter must provide a brief  explanation of each defect in the carrier envelope and a notice that the voter  may cancel the voter&rsquo;s application to vote by mail and vote in person,<a name="_Hlk228969741" id="_Hlk228969741"> correct certain defects using the ballot by mail tracker,</a> or correct the defect by submitting a corrective action form or coming to the  early voting clerk&rsquo;s office no later than the sixth day after election day. </p>

<p>If the early voting clerk believes that the  voter cannot receive the notice within a reasonable time to correct the ballot,  the early voting clerk may notify the voter of the defect by telephone or  e-mail. For more information on corrective-action procedures, please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2023-13.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2023-13.</a></p>

    </div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent19-title" class="handcursor">19.<a name="Note19">Note on Reconciliation Forms and Post-Election Reports</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent19" class="switchgroup1">	
		
		
<p>For those entities that use a central counting station, the presiding judge of the central counting station must prepare a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/12-1f.pdf">preliminary reconciliation form (PDF)</a> on election night and a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/12-2f.pdf">final reconciliation form (PDF)</a> after the canvass.</p>

		
<p>The reconciliation forms must be posted on the county  website with election returns and results after they are completed and signed.  This posting requirement applies regardless of whether a local entity is  contracting with the county for election services. We recommend that local  entities post the reconciliation form on their website, if the entity maintains  a website. We further recommend that the reconciliation forms remain posted at  least until the next election, and that the forms are available for the full  22-month retention period for election records. An entity may choose to make  older reconciliation forms available as part of historical results on its  website.</p>

		
<p>If a jurisdiction uses optical scanners, then immediately  after closing the polling place at the end of early voting and on election day,  the presiding election judge must generate separate reports from each optical  scanner used at the polling place regarding the total number of ballots scanned  by that scanner during both the early voting period and election day. (Sec.  125.0635).</p>

		
<p>In an election using centrally counted optical scan  ballots, the presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare a  report regarding the total number of ballots scanned by each optical scanner  from each data-storage device. The presiding judge of the central counting  station shall prepare one report for the total number of ballots from each  specific data-storage device. The presiding judge of the central counting  station must prepare the report for the data-storage device before the  information from the storage device is read into a central accumulator. The  report prepared before the opening of polling locations on election day may not  contain information on the number of votes cast for any candidate or for or  against any proposition. (Sec. 127.1302).</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: SB 2217 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, requires the general  custodian of election records for an entity that uses an electronic pollbook  system for an election to produce certain reports from the pollbook system no  later than the 30th day after election day. Those reports must include a  combination form report and a report listing all the voters who were accepted  to vote in the election, including the voter&rsquo;s polling place and precinct.  (Secs. 31.014, 63.0011, 65.057, 66.006, 125.0635,127.1302, 127.133).</p>

		
<p>Post-Election Reconciliation: Not later than the 30th day after election day, the general custodian of election records shall prepare a reconciliation of the total number of votes cast and the total number of voters accepted to vote by  personal appearance at each polling place in the custodian&rsquo;s county during the  early voting period and on election day respectively. The general custodian of election records shall post the results of this reconciliation on the county&rsquo;s  website in the same location that the county provides information on election results. (Sec. 66.005).</p>


	</div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent20-title" class="handcursor">20.<a name="Note20">Online Training Materials</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent20" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p>Chapters 32, 87, and 127 require the Secretary of State  to develop materials for a standardized curriculum for online training in  election law and procedure, including a published handbook, for election judges  and members of an early voting ballot board, signature verification committee,  and central counting station. These materials are available on the Secretary of  State&rsquo;s Internet website, free of charge, and require the passage of an  examination at the end of the program.</p>

		
<p>To view education and training materials  issued by the Secretary of State, please visit the <a href="education-resources.shtml">Training  and Education Resources page on our website.</a></p>

    </div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent21-title" class="handcursor">21. <a name="Note21">Services Performable Under Contract and Mandatory Office Hours</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent21" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p>Section 31.094 provides that an  election-services contract may provide for the county election officer to  perform or to supervise the performance of any or all of the corresponding  duties and functions that the officer performs in connection with a countywide  election ordered by a county authority.</p>

		
<p>The county election officer may assign  deputies to perform any of the contracted services. (Sec. 31.095). <strong>However,  an election services contract may not change the candidate application filing  authority, the filing authority for Title 15 documents related to campaign  finance, or a political subdivision&rsquo;s requirement to maintain office hours  under Section 31.122 of the Code. </strong>(Sec. 31.096).</p>

		
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 640 (2025, R.S.)</strong>,  effective September 1, 2025, amended Section 31.122 to require counties,  cities, or other political subdivisions to keep their election offices open for  election duties on regular business days when the county, city, or political  subdivision is regularly open for business. A &ldquo;regular business day&rdquo; means a  day on which the political subdivision&rsquo;s main business office is regularly open  for business. (Sec. 31.122(b)).    </p>
</div>	
	
<h2 id="bobcontent22-title" class="handcursor">22. <a name="Note22">Early Voting Rosters</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent22" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p>The early voting clerk shall maintain for each election a roster listing each person who votes an early voting ballot by  personal appearance and a roster listing each person to whom an early voting  ballot to be voted by mail is sent. The list must include, at minimum, the  name, VUID, and precinct number for each voter. <strong>Each roster shall be  updated daily</strong>. Information on the roster for a person who votes an early  voting ballot by personal appearance shall be made available for public  inspection not later than 11:00 a.m. on the day after the date the information  is entered on the roster. </p>

		
<p>Information on the roster for a person who  votes an early voting ballot by mail shall be made available for public  inspection not later than 11:00 a.m. on the day following the day the early  voting clerk receives a ballot voted by mail. The clerk shall preserve each  roster after the election for the period for preserving the precinct election  records. (Sec. 87.121).</p>

		
<p>For all elections in which the county  clerk/elections administrator is the early voting clerk (including by contract  and/or joint election agreement), the information on the early voting rosters  (in-person and by-mail voters) must be posted on the county&rsquo;s website. Section  87.121 does not state a specific time by which the early voting rosters must be  posted online; our office recommends that the rosters be posted by 11:00 a.m.  each day.</p>

		
<p>For all elections in which the county  clerk/elections administrator is not the early voting clerk by contract or law,  or a joint-election agreement, the information on the early voting roster  (in-person and by-mail voters) must be posted on the local political  subdivision&rsquo;s website. If the authority that ordered the election does not  maintain a website, then the information on the roster must be posted on the  bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the governing body of the  authority. Again, Section 87.121 does not state a specific time by which the  early voting rosters must be posted online, but we recommend posting them by  11:00 a.m. each day.</p>

		
<p>If an early voting clerk fails to post the  early voting rosters in accordance with Section 87.121, a person registered to  vote in the county where the early voting clerk is conducting early voting may  file a complaint with the Secretary of State regarding the early voting clerk&rsquo;s  noncompliance. (Sec. 87.121(o)).</p>

		
<p><strong>Note for local political subdivisions</strong>: The  early voting clerk for each political subdivision is also responsible for  posting or linking to the early voting roster:</p>

		
<ul type="disc">
  <li><strong>If the entity is contracting with the county</strong>, the early voting roster must be posted on the county&rsquo;s website and the entity should provide a link to that list on the entity&rsquo;s website.</li>
  <li><strong>If the entity is NOT contracting with the county, </strong>the early voting roster must be posted on the entity&rsquo;s website.</li>
  <li>We recommend that rosters remain posted at least until the next election, and that the rosters are available for       the full 22-month retention period for election records. An entity may choose to make older rosters available as part of historical results on its website.</li>
</ul>

    </div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent23-title" class="handcursor">23. <a name="Note23">Inspection of Voted Ballots, Cast Vote Records, and Voter Privacy</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent23" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p>For information on the inspection of voted  ballots, including ballot images and cast vote records, as well as guidelines  on voter privacy, please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2024-05.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-05</a> and <a href="advisory2024-20.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-20.</a>
	  </p>

		
<p>Our office recommends that the county  elections office work closely with its county attorney and its public  information division in ensuring that records have been properly redacted  before being made publicly available. Please direct any questions about the  procedures for responding to a public information request, including the  timeframes for such responses, to the Office of the Attorney General via its  Open Government Hotline, (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839).</p>

		
<p>In all circumstances, an election official  must be sure to maintain the security and integrity of the ballots and the  public&rsquo;s right to review records, as well as the voter&rsquo;s constitutional right  to a secret ballot. If an entity&rsquo;s election official decides that certain  information should be redacted in response to a particular public information  request, the official must obtain the requestor&rsquo;s consent to redact such  information or seek an open-records ruling from the Attorney General  authorizing the redactions in that specific circumstance. We recommend that the  elections office work closely with the entity&rsquo;s attorney and the entity&rsquo;s  public information division in ensuring that records have been properly  redacted before being made publicly available.</p>

    </div>
	
<h2 id="bobcontent24-title" class="handcursor">24. <a name="Note24">Note on Requirements for Certain Ballot Propositions and Related Procedures</a></h2>
	<div id="bobcontent24" class="switchgroup1">	
		
<p><a name="_Hlk229042872" id="_Hlk229042872"><strong>NEW LAW – SB 506 (2025, R.S.) </strong></a>makes several changes to the requirements and  procedures related to ballot propositions. </p>

		
<p>SB  506 added Section 52.072(g) to the Texas Election Code. This new  subsection provides that ballot propositions &ldquo;must substantially submit the  question with such definiteness, certainty, and facial neutrality that the  voters are not misled.&rdquo; (Sec. 52.072(g)). The new provision applies to all  ballot propositions governed by the Code.   The standard in the new subsection is similar to the one that courts  have long used when examining ballot propositions. In <em>Dacus v. Parker</em>,  466 S.W.3d 820 (Tex. 2015), for instance, the Texas Supreme Court held that  propositions must be &ldquo;submitted with such definiteness and certainty that  voters are not misled.&rdquo; For entities that write ballot propositions, SB 506  emphasizes that the authors should take care to make sure that the ballot  language is clear, definite, and neutral.  </p>

		
<p>SB 506 also  added Section 273.101 to the Code, which creates a  new procedure through which a registered voter eligible to vote in the election  or an authorized representative of a home-rule city can initiate a review by  the Secretary of State of ballot proposition language that proposes an  amendment to the city charter or a voter-initiated initiative or referendum as  requested by petition. Please note that the Secretary of State will not  review ballot-proposition language except as is required by Section 273.101 of  the Code. </p>

<p>Because  ballot propositions may require legal expertise to draft, we recommend that counties  and local political subdivisions work closely with their attorneys whenever  possible.<a name="_Hlk228971706" id="_Hlk228971706"></a></p>

<p>For  more information on the requirements for certain ballot propositions and  related procedures, please <em>see</em> <a href="advisory2026-06.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No.  2026-06</a>.    </p>
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<br />

		
<h2>Calendar of Events</h2>
	
<h2>January</h2>
	
<h3>Thursday, January 1, 2026</h3>
	
<p>First day for voters to submit an ABBM, an  Annual ABBM, or a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA). The Annual ABBM and FPCA  allows the voter to receive ballots for all elections in which they are  eligible to vote held in 2026. Voters who will be 65 or older on election day  or voters with a disability are eligible to submit an annual application. The  application is considered submitted at the time of receipt. (Secs. 84.001(e),  84.007, 86.0015).</p>

	
<h2>May</h2>
	
<h3>Monday, May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Tuesday, May  26, 2026 (75th day after convention party precinct conventions) </h3>
	
<p>Deadline for chairs to submit petitions and  precinct convention lists to Secretary of State and to the appropriate county  clerk (or other county election official) for placement on the ballot. <strong>The  deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Tuesday, May 26,  2026 due to the 75th day falling on Sunday, May 24, 2026 and Monday, May 25, 2026  is Memorial Day, a legal state holiday. </strong>(Secs. 1.006, 181.005(a),  181.006(b)(3), 182.003, 182.004).</p>

	
<h2>June</h2>
<h3>Monday, June 15,  2026 (20th day after Runoff Primary Election Day)</h3>
<p>First day of new term for political party  county and precinct chairs elected in the March 3, 2026 Primary Election. (Sec.  171.022(c)).</p>

<h3>Thursday,  June 18, 2026 (30th day before Saturday, July 18, 2026, &ldquo;first day to file&rdquo;)</h3>
<p><strong>Cities, Schools and Other Political  Subdivisions</strong>  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-1f.pdf">Deadline  to post Notice of Deadline to File an Application for Place on the Ballot (PDF)</a> in  a public place in a building in which the authority maintains an office. The  notice must be posted not later than the 30th day before the first day to file.  (Sec. 141.040, Election Code; Sec. 49.113, Water Code).</p>

<p>For more information on candidate filings, <em>see</em> <a href="../candidates/candidates-guide-for-local-political-subdivisions.shtml">Candidate&rsquo;s  Guide for Local Political Subdivisions</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Water Districts</strong> The  notice must be posted at the district&rsquo;s administrative office or at the public  place established by the district under Section 49.063 of the Water Code. (Sec.  49.113, Water Code).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE </strong> The  authority with whom an application for a place on the ballot is filed is  required to designate an e-mail address in the notice required by Section  141.040 of the Code for the purpose of filing an application for a place on the  ballot.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The delivery, submission,  or filing of an application with an employee of the filing authority at the  authority&rsquo;s usual place for conducting official business constitutes filing  with the authority. (Sec. 1.007).</p>

<p><strong>County Appraisal Districts in Counties with a Population  of 75,000 or more: </strong>After the relevant part of  SB 2 (2025, 2nd C.S.) became effective in July 2024, appraisal districts in  counties with a population of 75,000 or more are governed by boards of nine  directors. Under Tax Code Section 6.0301(c), a CAD board is made up of both  appointed and elected directors. Five of the directors are appointed by the  taxing units that participate in the district, while three directors are  elected by majority vote of the voters in the county where the district operates.  The elected directors are on the ballot at the general election for state and  county officers (which happens in November of even years). All three elected CAD  director positions will be on the ballot for the November 2026 election. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: </strong>Pursuant  toHB 3575 (2025, R.S.), effective  immediately, CAD board candidates must file their application for a place on  the ballot with the <strong>county clerk/elections administrator</strong>. Candidates can  no longer file their application with the county judge.  Please <em>see</em> <a href="running-for-county-appraisal-districts-2026.shtml">Running for County  Appraisal Districts in 2026</a>. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW:</strong> Pursuant to HB 148 (2025, R.S.),  effective September 1, 2025, an individual may not file an application for a  place on the ballot for an elected position on the board of directors of an  appraisal district unless the individual has signed the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-68f.pdf">Acknowledgement of Duties of Member of  Appraisal District Board of Directors (PDF)</a>. The signed acknowledgement must be submitted  to the <strong>chief appraiser of the appraisal district</strong>.</p>

<h3>Friday, June  19, 2026 (Juneteenth)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Thursday,  June 25, 2026 (30th day after Runoff Primary Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>Counties: 5:00 p.m. </strong>—  Filing deadline for independent candidate&rsquo;s <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-33f.pdf">application  for place on ballot (PDF)</a> and <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-35f.pdf">petition  (PDF)</a> for the November General Election for state and  county officers. (Sec. 142.006). <em>See </em><a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2026/ind2026.shtml">Independent  Candidates Guide</a>. </p>

<h3><a name="June30" id="June30"></a><a name="_bookmark22" id="_bookmark22"></a>Tuesday,  June 30, 2026 (Last day in June)</h3>
<p>In a county with a population of <strong>over  500,000</strong>, deadline for party chairs to submit to county commissioners court  a list of eligible persons for precinct presiding election and alternate  presiding judges for appointments, as well as for presiding and alternate  presiding judges of central counting station for appointments for the November  General Election for state and county officers. (Secs. 32.002(a)(1), (c),  127.005(e)).</p>

<p>Deadline for party chairs to submit to county  election officer the list of eligible persons to serve as election officers for  the main and any branch early voting location for the November General Election  for state and county officers. (Sec. 85.009).</p>

<p>Recommended date that party chairs, in a  county with a population of <strong>over 500,000</strong>, submit to the county  election board a list of names of eligible persons to serve on the early voting  ballot board for the November General Election for state and county officers.  (Sec. 87.002(c), (d)). <strong>NOTE: This is not a deadline; just a  recommendation.</strong></p>

<p><strong>NOTE </strong> Section  87.002 requires the early voting ballot board to have an alternate judge. The  alternate judge is appointed in the same manner as the presiding judge.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE </strong> A  signature verification committee may be appointed at a later date. (Sec.  87.027).</p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other than Counties: </strong>For recommended date to appoint your presiding  election judges, <em>see </em>entry under <a href="#August17">August 17, 2026</a>.</p>

	
<h2>July</h2>

<h3>July Term</h3>
	
<p><strong>Counties with a Population of Over  500,000</strong> This is meant for counties that did not make  two-year appointments in 2025, and will be making appointments in the July 2026  term. The commissioners court must appoint the election judges for each regular  county election precinct, the presiding and alternate judge for the central  counting station, and the presiding and alternate judge for the early voting  ballot board at its July term in a county with a population of over 500,000. In  counties with a population of over 500,000, the terms of the judges start on August  1, 2026. <em>See </em>entry for <a href="#June30">Tuesday, June 30, 2026.</a> <em>See </em><a href="advisory2026-19.shtml">Tex. Sec'y  of State Election Advisory No. 2026-19</a> for more information on appointment procedures.</p>

<h3><a name="_Hlk228973035" id="_Hlk228973035">Wednesday</a>,  July 1, 2026 – Thursday, October 1, 2026</h3>
<p>Recommended timeframe for the <strong>county  election board </strong>in a <strong>county with a population of over  500,000 </strong>to appoint the members to the early voting ballot board for  the November General Election for state and county officers. (Sec. 87.002(c),  (d)). Section 87.002(c) of the Election Code does not provide a deadline for  the county election board to make such appointments. <strong>NOTE: This is not  a deadline; just a recommendation. October 1 is the recommended deadline  because of various notice requirements.</strong></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:  Section 87.002 requires the early voting  ballot board to have an alternate judge. The alternate judge is appointed in  the same manner as the presiding judge.</strong></p>

	
<p>It is also recommended that the commissioners  court, in a county with a population of <strong>over 500,000</strong>, appoint  during its July term the central counting station manager, tabulation  supervisor, and assistants to the tabulation supervisor if it has established a  central counting station. (Secs. 127.001, 127.002, 127.003, 127.004). <strong>NOTE:  This is not a deadline; just a recommendation.</strong></p>

	
<h3>Saturday,  July 4, 2026 (Independence Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
	
<h3>Friday, July  17, 2026</h3>
	
<p>Last day for candidates planning to file for a place on the general  election ballot (local non-county political subdivisions only) to register to  vote or update voter registration.</p>

	
<h3>Saturday, July  18, 2026 (30th day before Monday, August 17, 2026, regular filing deadline for  a place on the ballot)</h3>
<p><strong>Counties</strong> First  day to file a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-23f.pdf">Declaration  of Write-In Candidacy (PDF)</a> and accompanying filing fee or  nominating <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-25f.pdf">petition  (PDF)</a> in lieu of filing fee with the county judge or  Secretary of State, as applicable, for the November General Election for state  and county officers. (Secs. 146.023, 146.0231, 146.0232, 146.025(a), 172.024,  172.025). <em>See </em><a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2026/writein2026.shtml">Write-In  Candidates Guide.</a></p>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties</strong>:  First day to file an application for a place on the ballot or a declaration of  write-in candidacy. (Secs. 143.007(a), 144.005(a), 146.054, Election Code;  Secs. 11.055, 11.056, 130.082(g), 130.0825, Educ. Code). <em>See </em><a href="candidacy.shtml">Candidacy  Filing outline</a> for more details. The following forms  are available on the Secretary of State&rsquo;s website:</p>

	
<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-49f.pdf">Application for Place on City/School/Other Political Subdivision Ballot (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
  <li>If your home rule city or special law       district allows for a petition, the following petition may be used  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-51f.pdf">Petition for a Place on the Ballot for a Local       Political Subdivision (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-55f.pdf">Declaration of Write-In Candidacy for City, School, or other Political Subdivisions (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a name="_Hlk234237677" id="_Hlk234237677"><strong>County Appraisal Districts  in Counties with a Population of 75,000 or more: </strong></a>After the relevant part of  SB 2 (2025, 2nd C.S.) became effective in July 2024, appraisal districts in  counties with a population of 75,000 or more are governed by boards of nine  directors. Under Tax Code Section 6.0301(c), a CAD board is made up of both  appointed and elected directors. Five of the directors are appointed by the  taxing units that participate in the district, while three directors are  elected by majority vote of the voters in the county where the district  operates. The elected directors are on the ballot at the general election for  state and county officers (which happens in November of even years). All three elected  CAD director positions will be on the ballot for the November 2026 election. </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: </strong>Pursuant toHB 3575  (2025, R.S.), effective immediately, CAD board candidates must file their application for  a place on the ballot with the <strong>county clerk/elections administrator</strong>.  Candidates can no longer file their application with the county judge.  Please <em>see</em> <a href="running-for-county-appraisal-districts-2026.shtml">Running for County Appraisal Districts in 2026</a>. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW:</strong> Pursuant to HB 148 (2025, R.S.), effective  September 1, 2025, an individual may not file an application for a place on the  ballot for an elected position on the board of directors of an appraisal  district unless the individual has signed the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-68f.pdf">Acknowledgement  of Duties of Member of Appraisal District Board of Directors (PDF) </a>. The signed acknowledgement must be  submitted to the <strong>chief appraiser of the appraisal district</strong>.</p>

	
<p><strong>For  more information on CAD board elections, please <em>see</em></strong><a href="running-for-county-appraisal-districts-2026.shtml"><strong>Running for County Appraisal Districts in  2026</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:We are often asked how filing can begin if  you have not yet ordered the general election. You do not need to order  your <strong>general </strong>(regularly occurring) election in order for the  filing period to begin.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:The delivery, submission, or filing of an  application with an employee of the filing authority at the authority&rsquo;s usual  place for conducting official business constitutes filing with the authority.  (Sec. 1.007).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: Cities, Schools, and Other Political  Subdivisions</strong> At least part of the  candidate filing period will occur during the summer break for school  districts. Additionally, there are political subdivisions that do not have  office hours on all days of the business week (Monday through Friday) or do not  have an office that is open for eight hours each day of the business week. The  Elections Division recommends that political subdivisions take steps to have  someone available for a few hours most days during the candidate filing period  to accept filings, and that political subdivisions post a schedule on their  websites and on the bulletin boards where notices of meetings are posted of the  days and times when someone will be available to accept filings. </p>

	
<p>The Elections Division also strongly recommends having  someone available at the place of business on the filing deadline, especially  from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., if you are otherwise closed. This guideline is  based on the office-hour rule under Section 31.122 of the Election Code.  Although a political subdivision may accept applications by mail and fax,  without a person there at the office, the political subdivision will not be  able to determine which applications were timely filed by 5:00 p.m.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW  LAW: HB 3629 (2025, R.S.)</strong> prohibits  individuals who are required to register as sex offenders under Chapter 62,  Code of Criminal Procedure, from serving on the board of trustees of an  independent school district. Candidates seeking to serve on the board of  trustees of an independent school district must include a statement on their  candidate application acknowledging that they are ineligible to serve if they  are required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal  Procedure. </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Candidate  applications, other than those that must be accompanied by a filing fee, may be  filed via email. The application must be a scanned copy of the candidate  application and must be sent to the filing authority&rsquo;s designated email address  for accepting applications. (Secs. 143.004, 144.003).</p>

<!--<h3>Monday,  July 20, 2026</h3>
	
<p>First day to file as a write-in candidate for  the November General Election for state and county officers. (Sec. 146.025(a)).  A declaration of write-in candidacy filed by mail is considered to be filed at  the time of its receipt by the appropriate authority. (Sec. 146.025(c)). <em>See </em><a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2026/writein2026.shtml">Write-In  Candidates Guide.</a></p>-->

<h3><a name="July31" id="July31"></a><a name="_bookmark23" id="_bookmark23"></a>Friday,  July 31, 2026 (last day &ldquo;before August&rdquo;)</h3>
<p>In a county with a population of <strong>500,000  or less</strong>, deadline for party chairs to submit to county commissioners court  list of eligible persons for precinct presiding election and alternate  presiding judges for appointments, as well as for presiding and alternate  presiding judges of central counting station for appointments for the November  General Election for state and county officers. (Secs. 32.002(a)(2), (c),  127.005(e)).</p>

<p>Recommended date that party chairs in a  county with a population of <strong>500,000 or less </strong>submit to the  county election board a list of names of eligible persons to serve on the early  voting ballot board for the November General Election for state and county  officers. (Sec. 87.002(c), (d)). <strong>NOTE: This is not a deadline; just a  recommendation.</strong></p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>Section  87.002 requires the early voting ballot board to have an alternate judge. The  alternate judge is appointed in the same manner as the presiding judge.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong> A signature  verification committee may be appointed at a later date. (Sec. 87.027). For  more information on the appointment procedures for election workers, <em>see</em> <a href="../forms/app-election-workers-handbook.pdf">Election  Workers Handbook (PDF)</a>.</p>

<p>Recommended date that county election  officials and local political subdivisions meet to discuss conducting elections  at the same polling locations pursuant to Sections 42.002 and 42.0621, as well  as any applicable joint election issues needed to be agreed upon. <strong>NOTE:  This is not a deadline; just a recommendation.</strong></p>

	

<h2>August</h2>
	
<h3>August Term</h3>
	
<p><strong>Counties with a Population of 500,000 or  Less</strong> This is meant for counties that did not make  two-year appointments in 2025, and will be making appointments in the August 2026  term. The commissioners court must appoint the election judges for each regular  county election precinct, the presiding and alternate judge for the central  counting station, and the presiding and alternate judge for the early voting  ballot board at its August term in a county with a population of 500,000 or  less. In counties with a population of 500,000 or less, the terms of the judges  start on September 1, 2026. <em>See </em>entry for <a href="#July31">July 31, 2026</a>. <em>See </em><a href="advisory2026-19.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2026-19</a> for  more information on appointment procedures.</p>

	
<h3>Saturday,  August 1, 2026 – Thursday, October 1, 2026</h3>
	
<p>Recommended timeframe for the county election  board in counties with a population of <strong>500,000 or less </strong>to appoint the members to the  early voting ballot board for the November General Election for state and  county officers. (Sec. 87.002(c), (d)). Section 87.002(c) of the Election Code  does not provide a deadline for the county election board to make such appointments. <strong>NOTE:  This is not a deadline; just a recommendation. October 1 is the recommended  deadline because of various notice requirements.</strong></p>

	
<p>Recommended date that commissioners court in  a county with a population of <strong>500,000 or less </strong>appoint central  counting station manager, tabulation supervisor, and assistants to the  tabulation supervisor if it has established a central counting station. (Secs.  127.001, 127.002, 127.003, 127.004). <strong>NOTE: This is not a deadline; just  a recommendation.</strong></p>

	
<h3><a name="August5" id="August5">Wednesday,  August 5, 2026 (90th day before Election Day)</a></h3>
<p>Last day for eligible political subdivisions  to submit <a href="../forms/pol-sub/16-2f.pdf">Notice  of Exemption Under Section 61.013 (PDF)</a> or  an <a href="../forms/pol-sub/16-1f.pdf">Application  of Undue Burden Status (PDF)</a> to the  Secretary of State for exemption from the accessible voting system requirement.  (Sec. 61.013). For additional information, consult the most current advisory on  this topic, <a href="advisory2026-20.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2026-20</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE  - NEW LAW: HB 2253 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective  immediately, allows the authority that ordered a bond measure to cancel the  election on the measure by the 74th day before election day if the governor  issues a disaster declaration by the 90th day before the date of the election  on the measure. To do so, the authority must hold an open meeting on the  question of cancelling the election and must post notice of the cancellation at  each early voting location and each election day polling place.</p>

	
<h3>Friday,  August 14, 2026 (81st day before Election Day, day before 2nd day before filing  deadline)</h3>
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties</strong>: If  a candidate dies on or before this date, his or her name is not placed on the  ballot, if the filing deadline is Monday, August 17, 2026. (Sec.  145.094(a)(1)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section  145.098 provides that if a candidate dies on or before the deadline for filing  an application for a place on the ballot, the authority responsible for  preparing the ballots MAY choose to omit the candidate from the ballot. If the  authority does choose to omit the candidate, the deadline for filing an  application for a place on the ballot is extended to the fifth day after the  filing deadline, Monday, August 24, 2026. This extended deadline only applies  to the regular filing deadline. It <strong>DOES NOT </strong>apply to the  write-in deadline. Because the extended deadline for filing an application for  a place on the ballot falls on a weekend (Saturday, August 22, 2026), it is  extended to the next regular business day, Monday, August 24, 2026. (Sec.  1.006).</p>

	
<h3><a name="August17" id="August17">Monday,  August 17, 2026 (78th day before Election Day)</a></h3>
<p><strong>Counties: 5:00 p.m. — </strong>Deadline  to file as a write-in candidate for the November General Election for state and  county officers. (Sec. 146.025(a)). A declaration of write-in candidacy filed  by mail is considered to be filed at the time of its receipt by the appropriate  authority. (Sec. 146.025(c)). <em>See </em><a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2026/writein2026.shtml">Write-In  Candidates Guide.</a></p>

<p><strong>Exception</strong> If a  candidate whose name is to appear on the general election ballot dies or is  declared ineligible after the third day before the date of the filing deadline  above, a declaration of write-in candidacy for the office sought by the  deceased or ineligible candidate may be filed not later than 5:00 p.m. of the  75th day before election day. <em>See </em><a href="#August20">entry  for August 20, 2026</a>. (Sec. 146.025(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties: 5:00 p.m.  — </strong>Last day for a candidate in a political subdivision (other  than a county) to file an application for a place on the ballot for general  election for officers for most political subdivisions, except as otherwise  provided by the Texas Election Code. (Secs. 143.007(c), 144.005(d), Election  Code; Sec. 11.055, Education Code; Chapter 286, Health &amp; Safety  Code). <em>See </em><a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/candidates-guide-for-local-political-subdivisions.shtml">Candidacy Guide for Local Political  Subdivisions</a> for more details.  </p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong> A home-rule  city&rsquo;s charter may <strong>not </strong>provide an alternate candidate filing  deadline. (Secs. 143.005(a), 143.007).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: An application submitted  by mail is considered to be filed at the time of its receipt by the appropriate  filing authority. (Secs. 143.007(b), 144.005(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>County Appraisal Districts in Counties with a Population  of 75,000 or more: </strong>After the relevant part of  SB 2 (2025, 2nd C.S.) became effective in July 2024, appraisal districts in  counties with a population of 75,000 or more are governed by boards of nine  directors. Under Tax Code Section 6.0301(c), a CAD board is made up of both  appointed and elected directors. Five of the directors are appointed by the  taxing units that participate in the district, while three directors are  elected by majority vote of the voters in the county where the district  operates. The elected directors are on the ballot at the general election for  state and county officers (which happens in November of even years). All three elected  CAD director positions will be on the ballot for the November 2026 election. </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: </strong>Pursuant  toHB 3575 (2025, R.S.), effective  immediately, CAD board candidates must file their application for a place on  the ballot with the <strong>county clerk/elections administrator</strong>. Candidates can  no longer file their application with the county judge.  Please <em>see</em> <a href="running-for-county-appraisal-districts-2026.shtml">Running for County  Appraisal Districts in 2026</a>. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW:</strong> Pursuant to HB 148 (2025, R.S.),  effective September 1, 2025, an individual may not file an application for a  place on the ballot for an elected position on the board of directors of an  appraisal district unless the individual has signed the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-68f.pdf">Acknowledgement of Duties of Member of  Appraisal District Board of Directors (PDF)</a>. The signed acknowledgement must be submitted  to the <strong>chief appraiser of the appraisal district</strong>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties  (General Election)</strong>: Deadline for political subdivisions to  order a general election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. (Sec. 3.005).  One of the following forms may be used:</p>

<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-2f.pdf">Order of Election for Municipalities (PDF)</a></li>
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-3f.pdf">Order of Election for Other Political Subdivisions       (Including Schools) (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties  (Special Election)</strong> Deadline to order a special election on a  measure or a special election to fill a vacancy (if authorized to fill  vacancies by special election) to be held on the date of the November General  Election for state and county officers. An application may not be filed before  the special election is ordered, and in addition to the information stated  below, the order must state the filing deadline. (Secs. 201.051(b), 201.054(c),  (d)). The following forms may be used:</p>

	
<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-8f.pdf">Order of Special Election for Municipalities (PDF)</a>.</li>
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-9f.pdf">Order of Special Election for Other Political       Subdivisions (Including Schools) (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> For information regarding the requirements for  certain ballot propositions and related procedures under Senate Bill 506 (2025,  R.S.), please <em>see</em> <a href="#Propositions">Note 24</a> above and <a href="advisory2026-06.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No.  2026-06</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Counties</strong> Deadline  for counties to order a general election or a special election on a measure to  be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. (Secs. 3.004, 3.005). The following forms  may be used:</p>

	
<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-1f.pdf">Order of Election for the November General Election (for County &amp; Precinct Officers) (PDF)</a></li>
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-7f.pdf">Order of Special Election for County-Ordered Measure Elections (PDF)</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>The order  must include:</h3>
	
<ul>
  <li>The date of the election;</li>
  <li>The offices or measures to be voted on;</li>
  <li>The location of the main early voting polling place, <strong>including the street  address, room number, and building name. The order must designate which location is the main early voting polling place</strong>;</li>
  <li><strong>(<em>Recommended</em>) </strong>Branch early voting polling places (<em>see </em><a href="#Note11">Note 11</a>, above);</li>
  <li>The dates and hours for early voting (recommended for counties, but required for  all other entities);</li>
  <li>The dates and hours of any Saturday and Sunday early voting (if applicable, it is  recommended that this information be included in the order for counties, but it  must be included for all other entities); and</li>
  <li>The early voting clerk&rsquo;s official mailing address or street address at which the  clerk may receive delivery by common or contract carrier, if different, phone  number, e-mail address, and the Internet website, if the early voting clerk has an Internet website.</li>
</ul>

<p>In addition to the information included  above, an order for a debt obligation (bond) election <strong>must </strong>include  (Sec. 3.009):</p>

	
<ul>
  <li>the  proposition language that will appear on the ballot;</li>
  <li>the  purpose for which the debt obligations are to be authorized;</li>
  <li>the  principal amount of the debt obligations to be authorized;</li>
  <li>that  taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the debt obligations  may be imposed;</li>
  <li>a statement  of the estimated tax rate if the debt obligations are authorized or of the  maximum interest rate of the debt obligations or any series of the debt  obligations, based on the market conditions at the time of the election order;</li>
  <li>the  maximum maturity date of the debt obligations to be authorized or that the debt  obligations may be issued to mature over a specified number of years not to  exceed the maximum number of years authorized by law;</li>
  <li>the  aggregate amount of the outstanding principal of the political subdivision's  debt obligations as of the date the election is ordered;</li>
  <li>the  aggregate amount of the outstanding interest on debt obligations of the  political subdivision as of the date the election is ordered, which may be  based on the political subdivision&rsquo;s expectations relative to variable debt  obligations; and</li>
  <li>the  ad valorem debt service tax rate for the political subdivision at the time the  election is ordered, expressed as an amount per $100 valuation of taxable  property.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>date  to order the lists of registered voters from the county voter registrar. The  list should include both the voters&rsquo; residences and mailing addresses in order  to conduct early voting by mail. (Sec. 18.006). The political subdivision  should confirm that the most recent maps or boundary changes have been provided  to the voter registrar.</p>

	
<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>date  to confirm telephone number for the county voter registrar&rsquo;s office on election  day.</p>

	
<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>date  to order election supplies, other than ballots. (Subchapter A, Chapter 51).</p>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than  Counties  <em>Recommended </em></strong>date to  appoint <strong>presiding and alternate judges</strong>. Currently, the Election  Code does not establish a deadline for appointing election officials; there is  only a notification deadline. For further information concerning procedures for  appointing judges and their alternates, see Sections 32.005, 32.008, and  32.011. General eligibility requirements are found in Subchapter C, Chapter 32.  In addition to appointing a judge and alternate judge for each election  precinct pursuant to Sections 32.001 and 32.005, the governing body must allow  the judge to appoint no fewer than two clerks; however, the alternate judge  must serve as one of the clerks as a matter of law. (Secs. 32.032, 32.033). The  presiding judge then appoints an additional clerk(s), but not more than the  maximum set by the governing body. (Sec. 32.033). Presiding judges and their  alternates must be given a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-16f.pdf">Notice  of Appointment (PDF)</a> not later than the 20th day after the  appointment is made. (Sec. 32.009). If the appointment is for a single  election, the notice may be combined with the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-17f.pdf">Writ  of Election (PDF)</a>, which is required to be delivered to each  presiding judge not later than the 15th day before the election, Monday, October  19, 2026. (Secs. 4.007, 32.009(e)). If the notices are combined, both must be  delivered by the date required by the earlier notice.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong> If you are  conducting a joint election with the county, please be advised that the  Election Code places many requirements on the method of selecting people who  must be appointed by the county to work in the November General Election for  state and county officers. <em>See </em>Sections 32.002 and 32.034,  Election Code.</p>

	
<p><strong>Water Districts</strong> A  water district is not required to provide a Notice of Appointment to a  presiding judge, as required under Section 32.009, but must provide a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-17f.pdf">Writ  of Election (PDF)</a>. (Sec. 4.007, Election Code; Sec. 49.110,  Water Code).</p>

<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>date  to appoint the <strong>presiding judge and alternate judge of the early voting  ballot board </strong>or to designate the election workers of one election  precinct to serve as the early voting ballot board. (Secs. 87.001, 87.002,  87.004). There is no statutory notice requirement for members of the early  voting ballot board, but good practice suggests that written notice be given to  them.</p>

<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>date  to appoint the <strong>central counting station personnel </strong>(manager,  tabulation supervisor and assistants to the tabulation supervisor), if  applicable. (Secs. 127.002, 127.003, 127.004, 127.005). There is no statutory  notice requirement for members of the central counting station, but good  practice suggests that written notice be given to them.</p>

	
<p><a name="August20" id="August20"><strong>Thursday,  August 20, 2026 (75th day before Election Day, 4th day before recommended  ballot drawing date)</strong></a></p>

<p>First day to post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/3-1f.pdf">Notice  of Drawing for Place on Ballot (PDF)</a> if  drawing is to be conducted on Monday, August 24, 2026. This notice must be  posted for 72 hours immediately preceding the time of the drawing. (Sec.  52.094(c)).</p>

	
<p>The authority conducting the ballot position  drawing shall provide notice of the date, hour, and place of the drawing to  candidates by this date if the drawing is to be conducted on Monday,  August 24, 2026, as recommended. (Sec. 52.094(d)). If a candidate in a special  election files on this date, they should be given a copy of the notice at the  time they file.</p>

<p>The authority conducting the drawing shall  provide notice of the date, hour, and place of the drawing to each candidate. The  authority may provide written notice at the time the candidate files an  application with the appropriate authority.</p>

<p>If notice was not provided at the time the  candidate filed an application, the notice may be provided by:</p>

	
<ul>
  <li>written  notice that is mailed to the address stated on the candidate&rsquo;s application not  later than</li>
  <li>the  fourth day before the date of the drawing; or</li>
  <li>telephone,  if a telephone number is provided on the candidate&rsquo;s application; or</li>
  <li>by  e-mail, if an e-mail address was provided on the candidate&rsquo;s application. (Sec.  52.094).</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties:  6:00 p.m. </strong>— Last day to file an application for a place  on the ballot or a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-55f.pdf">Declaration  of Write-In Candidacy (PDF)</a> in a special election to fill a vacancy to  be held on the date of the November General Election for state and county  officers. (Sec. 201.054(f), (g)). NOTE: For future reference, please note that  this deadline is not the same for elections held on the May uniform election  date or on the November uniform election date in an odd-numbered year.</p>

<h3>Friday, August  21, 2026 (74th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Counties</strong>: Deadline  for a party nominee or independent candidate in the November General Election  for state and county officers to withdraw from the election. (Secs. 145.032,  145.062).</p>

	
<p><strong>Counties</strong>: Last day on  which death, declaration of ineligibility, or withdrawal of a party nominee or  an independent candidate for the November General Election for state and county  officers causes an omission of the candidate&rsquo;s name from the ballot. (Secs.  145.035, 145.039, 145.064, 145.065). For certain exceptions regarding deceased  candidates, please see Section 145.064(b)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: A  withdrawal request submitted by mail must be <strong>received </strong>by  appropriate authority by this date. (Sec. 145.001(c)). A withdrawal request  must also be sworn to, and candidates may use the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-66f.pdf">Certificate  of Withdrawal (PDF)</a>. (Sec. 145.001(b)).</p>

	
<p>If a vacancy occurs on or before this date in  a state, district, or county office not regularly scheduled for election in 2026,  due to <strong>death</strong>, <strong>resignation</strong>, or <strong>removal </strong>of  the officeholder, the unexpired term of the office shall be placed on the November  3, 2026 election ballot. (Sec. 202.002(a)). An appointment to fill the vacancy  continues until the next general election and until a successor has been  elected and has qualified for the office. Also, depending on the effective date  of the vacancy, the office may also be voted on in the next primary election.  (Secs. 202.002(b), 202.004). <em>See </em><a href="advisory2025-14.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2025-</a><u>14</u>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties:  5:00 p.m</strong>. — Deadline for write-in candidates to file <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-55f.pdf">Declarations  of Write-In Candidacy (PDF)</a> for regular officers for city, school  district, library district, junior college district, hospital district, common  school districts, Chapter 36 and 49 Water Code districts, and other political  subdivision elections, unless otherwise provided by law. (Secs. 144.006(b),  146.054(b), 146.055, Election Code; Secs. 11.056, 11.304, 130.0825, Education  Code; Secs. 326.0431, 326.0432, Local Government Code; Sec. 285.131, Health and  Safety Code; Secs. 36.059, 49.101, 63.0945, Water Code). <em>See </em><a href="candidacy.shtml">Candidacy  Filing outline</a> and <a href="https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/candidates-guide-for-local-political-subdivisions.shtml">Local  Candidates&rsquo; Guide</a> for more information.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: An  application submitted by mail is considered to be filed at the time of its  receipt by the appropriate filing authority. (Secs. 143.007(b), 144.005(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties</strong> If you plan on holding your ballot position drawing on  Monday, August 24, 2026, then the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/3-1f.pdf">Notice of Drawing for Place on Ballot (PDF)</a> of such drawing should be posted today. The notice  must be posted for 72 hours immediately preceding the time of the drawing.  (Sec. 52.094(c)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>:  Last day an entity may cancel a bond measure  if the Governor issues a disaster declaration regarding a natural disaster or other  disaster which threatens the health, safety, or general welfare of the  authority&rsquo;s residents within 90 days of the date of the election. <em>See</em> entry at <a href="#August5">August 5, 2026</a> for  more information. </p>

	
<h3>Monday,  August 24, 2026 (71st day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than  Counties</strong> The Elections Division recommends that you  hold your <strong>ballot position drawing </strong>no later than today to  determine the order of candidates&rsquo; names on the ballot (Sec. 52.094).  We also recommend that you certify to the  county election officer the offices, propositions (in all necessary languages),  and candidates&rsquo; names (including the order) as they are to appear on the  ballot, as soon as possible after the drawing has been conducted, <strong>if  you are contracting </strong>to have the county conduct your election or if you  are conducting a joint election with the county.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong> After the  ballot drawing has occurred, the Elections Division recommends that you proof  and test your ballot programming as soon as possible and <strong>prior to the  deadline to mail a ballot </strong>if the political subdivision will be using  automatic tabulating equipment to count the mail ballots or if your mail  ballots are printed from the same database used to program your precinct  scanners (<em>See </em><a href="#Note15">Note 15 </a>above). <strong>The  Elections Division also recommends that you provide candidates with copies of  ballot proofs so that candidates may verify the correctness of their names,  positions sought, and order of names on the ballot.</strong></p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong> Ballot  position for the November General Election for state and county officers is  determined by Sections 52.091 and 52.092, Election Code.</p>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties:  5:00 p.m</strong>. — Last day for a candidate to withdraw from a general  election, by submission of a notarized <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-66f.pdf">Certificate  of Withdrawal (PDF)</a> or a notarized letter, or to be  declared ineligible. <strong>If a candidate withdraws or is declared ineligible  by this date, his or her name is omitted from the ballot</strong>. (Secs.  146.054(c), 145.092(f), 145.094(a)(4)), 145.096(a)(4)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section  145.098 provides that if a candidate dies on or before the deadline for filing  an application for a place on the ballot, the authority responsible for  preparing the ballots MAY choose to omit the candidate from the ballot. If the  authority does choose to omit the candidate, the deadline for filing an  application for a place on the ballot is extended to the fifth day after the filing  deadline, Monday, August 24, 2026. This extended deadline only applies to the  regular filing deadline. It <strong>DOES NOT </strong>apply to the write-in  deadline.</p>

	
<p><strong>Counties and Other Political Subdivisions</strong>  <strong>5:00  p.m</strong>. — Last day to <strong>withdraw </strong>as a <strong>write-in </strong>candidate  in the general election for state and county officers, or a general or special  election ordered by a political subdivision other than a county, (Secs.  144.006(c), 146.0301, 146.054(c)). Candidates may use the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-66f.pdf">Certificate  of Withdrawal (PDF)</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than  Counties</strong> Recommended first day that a general or  special election must be cancelled if all filing deadlines have  passed, each candidate for an office listed on the ballot is unopposed (except  as discussed below), and write-in votes may be counted only for names appearing  on a list of write-in candidates. The <a href="../forms/pol-sub/13-1f.pdf">Certification  of Unopposed Candidates for Other Political Subdivisions (PDF)</a> may  be used to certify candidates as unopposed. Also, <em>see </em>our <a href="../forms/pol-sub/13-2f.pdf">Sample  Order of Cancellation (PDF)</a>.</p>

	
<p>A special election of a political subdivision is considered to be a separate election with a separate ballot from a general  election for officers of the same political subdivision held at the same time as the special election. Therefore, the fact that there may be a proposition on the ballot will not prevent a cancellation of an election for candidates who are unopposed. (Sec. 2.051(a)). If any members of the political subdivision&rsquo;s governing body are elected from territorial units, such as single member districts, an election may be cancelled in a particular territorial unit if each candidate for an office that is to appear on the ballot in that territorial unit is unopposed <strong>and no </strong>opposed at-large race is  to appear on the ballot. An unopposed at-large race may be cancelled in an election regardless of whether an opposed race is to appear on the ballot in a particular territorial unit. (Sec. 2.051(b)). <strong>This recommended cancellation deadline considers a regular filing deadline of Monday, August 17, 2026, a special election filing deadline of Thursday, August 20, 2026, and a  write-in deadline of Friday, August 21, 2026. For additional information, consult the outline on </strong><a href="cancellation.shtml">Cancellation of Election for Local Political Subdivisions</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Water Districts</strong> A  water district is not required to provide a Notice of Appointment to a  presiding judge, as required under Section 32.009, but must provide a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-17f.pdf">Writ  of Election (PDF)</a>. (Sec. 4.007, Election Code; Sec. 49.110,  Water Code).</p>

	
<p><strong>Tuesday, August  25, 2026 (70th day before Election Day, 5th day after special election  candidate filing deadlines) </strong></p>

	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties:  5:00 p.m. — </strong>Last day for a candidate (place on the ballot  or write-in) to withdraw from a special election, by submission of a  notarized <a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-66f.pdf">Certificate  of Withdrawal (PDF)</a> or a notarized letter, or to be  declared ineligible. <strong>If a candidate withdraws or is declared ineligible  by this date, his or her name is omitted from the ballot</strong>. (Sec.  145.092(e)).</p>

	
<p><strong>Legislative Vacancies (if applicable)</strong> Last  day for all candidates (including write-in candidates) to withdraw from a  special election to fill a legislative vacancy (if any). (Secs. 146.083,  145.092(a)).</p>

	
<h3>Thursday, August 27, 2026 (State Holiday –  LBJ Birthday) (68th day before Election Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Friday, August 28, 2026 (67th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p>Deadline for Secretary of State (federal,  state and district offices) and county judge (countywide and precinct offices)  to certify names of independent and declared write-in candidates to county  election officer for placement on the November 3, 2026 ballot. (Secs. 142.010,  146.029(c)).</p>

	
<ul type="disc">
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/2-65f.pdf">Certification of Independent Candidates by County       Judge [PDF]</a></li>
  <li><a href="../forms/pol-sub/3-21f.pdf">Certificate of Write‑in Candidacy (For County and       Precinct Offices) [PDF]</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Deadline for Secretary of State to certify to  county election officer names of party nominees for statewide and district  offices for placement on November 3, 2026 ballot, and deadline for Secretary of  State to post major party nominees for county and precinct offices. (Secs.  161.008, 172.117).</p>

	
<p>*The deadlines referenced above are extended  to the next regular business day which is Friday, August 28, 2026 due to the  deadline falling on Thursday, August 27, 2026, a state holiday, LBJ Birthday.  (Sec. 1.006).</p>

	
<br />

<h2>September</h2><br />

<h3>Friday,  September 4, 2026 (60th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than  Counties:</strong> Last day for the governing body of a  political subdivision to deliver notice of the election to the county election  officer and voter registrar of each county in which the political subdivision  is wholly or partly located. (Sec. 4.008).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section  4.003 requires that counties post on the county website the notice and list of  polling locations of any political subdivision that delivers their notice to  the county under 4.008. This is regardless of whether the county is contracting  with the entity.  <a href="#Note8"><em>See</em> Note 8</a>  for  more information on the requirements related to Notice of Election.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section  4.004 requires the notice of election to include the Internet website of the  authority conducting the election.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section  83.010 requires an election order and the election notice to state the early  voting clerk&rsquo;s official mailing address or street address at which the clerk  may receive delivery by common or contract carrier, if different, phone number,  e-mail address, and the Internet website, if the early voting clerk has an  Internet website. (Sec. 83.010).</p>

	
<p><strong><em>Recommended  </em></strong>date  for county clerk/county elections administrator to deliver an initial list of  voters who have submitted annual applications for ballot by mail under Section  86.0015 and scans or photocopies of those applications to the early voting  clerk of any political subdivision located within the county that is holding an  election on November 3, 2026. The list should only include voters that reside  in the political subdivision holding the election. The list should only be  created and sent to those political subdivisions that have provided notice of  the election to the county clerk/elections administrator.  <em>See also</em>,  the note below and the entry at  <a href="#October23">Friday, October 23, 2026  </a>for  more information about delivery of a final list of voters.  <em>See  </em>entry  for  <a href="#October22">Thursday,  October 22, 2026  </a>and entry for  <a href="#October31">Saturday, October 31, 2026  </a>for  more information on the delivery of copies/images of the applications.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:  </strong>Section  86.0015 requires the county clerk/elections administrator to provide a list of  voters that have submitted an annual application for ballot by mail to all  political subdivisions in their county holding an election. The law only  applies to elections for which the county clerk/elections administrator is not  the early voting clerk via a contract for election services or joint election  agreement. The Elections Division  <em>strongly recommends  </em>that the  county and political subdivisions  <strong>discuss the frequency and method for  which these lists should be transmitted</strong> to ensure that ballots are  sent out timely. Finally, the county clerk/elections administrator  <strong>must  deliver either photocopies or scanned images of the applications (under Section  87.126) to the early voting clerk</strong> of the political subdivision before  the ballots by mail are delivered to the early voting ballot board for  qualifying and counting under Section 87.041.</p>

	
<h3>Monday, September 7, 2026 (57th day before Election Day) (Labor  Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
	
<h3>Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (22nd day after August 17,  2026)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Political Subdivisions Other Than Counties</strong>: Last day to notify election judges of their appointment  if they were appointed, as recommended, on  <strong>Monday, August 17, 2026</strong>.  (Secs. 1.006, 32.009(b)). Presiding and alternate judges must be  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-16f.pdf">notified (PDF)</a>  of  their appointment in writing, not later than the 20th day after the date the  appointment is made.  <strong>The deadline is extended to the next regular business  day which is Tuesday, September 8, 2026 due to the 20th day falling on Sunday,  September 6, 2026, and the next day falling on Labor Day, September 7, 2026.</strong></p>

	
<p>The notice of the judge&rsquo;s duty to conduct the  election <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-17f.pdf">(Writ  of Election (PDF))</a> pursuant to Section 4.007 may be combined  with the above notice, if the appointment is for a single election only. If the  notices are  <strong>NOT</strong> combined, then the notice of the judge&rsquo;s duty  to conduct the election (writ of election) must be delivered not later than the  15th day before election day, Monday, October 19, 2026.</p>

	
<h3>Monday, September  14, 2026 (50th day before Election Day; 29th day before early voting begins)</h3>
	
<p>Deadline to challenge the filing of an  application for a place on the ballot as to form, content, and procedure. (Sec.  141.034).</p>

	
<p>Last day for county chairs to supplement the  list of names for early voting officer list. (Secs. 1.006, 85.009).  </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE  – NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.) - </strong>Last day to post  notice for public L&amp;A test and tabulation testing. The tests must be  conducted on the 48th day before election day, which is Wednesday, September  16, 2026. Notice of the public tests must be posted on the entity&rsquo;s website at  least 48 hours before the test begins. (Secs. 127.093, 127.096, 129.001,  129.022, 129.023). <em>See </em><a href="#Note15">Note  15</a> above.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW</strong>: <strong>SB  2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>  - Entities are no longer required to publish notice  of the L&amp;A and tabulation tests in newspapers. Notice must be posted on the  entity&rsquo;s website.</p>

	
<h3><a name="September14" id="September14">Monday,  September 14, 2026 - Sunday, December 13, 2026 (50th day before Election Day  through 40th day after Election Day)</a></h3>
	
<p><strong>Mandatory Office Hours</strong>:  Each county clerk, city secretary or secretary of a governing body (or the  person performing duties of a secretary) must keep the office open for election  duties for at least 3 hours each day, during regular office hours, on regular  business days. (Sec. 31.122).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW: HB 640 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, amended  Section 31.122 to require counties, cities, or other political subdivisions to  keep their election offices open for election duties on regular business days  when the county, city, or political subdivision is regularly open for business.  A &ldquo;regular business day&rdquo; means a day on which the political subdivision&rsquo;s main  business office is regularly open for business. (Sec. 31.122(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: Special Elections</strong>: In  the case of a special election, the office hour rule is triggered starting the  third day after the special election is ordered. (Sec. 31.122).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section  31.096 of the Code addresses nontransferable functions under an election  services contract. <strong>Specifically, an  election services contract may not change the political subdivision&rsquo;s  requirement to maintain office hours under Section 31.122.</strong> (Sec. 31.096).  <a href="#Note21"><em>See</em> NOTE on  mandatory office hours</a>.</p>

	
<h3>Wednesday, September  16, 2026 (48th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong> clarifies the requirements for the Public L&A test and tabulation testing by requiring them to be conducted at the same time and by distinguishing the testing procedures for precinct scanners from the testing procedures for central accumulators. The bill also harmonizes the notice requirements for both tests and requires the testing to be performed by the 48th day before election day.&nbsp; </p>
	
<p>The initial  public testing of your electronic voting equipment must be completed no later  than the 48th day before election day. However, if the test cannot be conducted  by the 48th day deadline, then the general custodian shall conduct the test as  soon as practicable after that date and must notify the Secretary of State&rsquo;s  Office within 24 hours of the determination that the deadline cannot be met. <em>See</em> <a href="#Note15">Note 15</a>. </p>

	
<h3>Saturday,  September 19, 2026 (45th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Deadline to mail ballots to military or  overseas voters who already submitted their ballot requests via a federal  postcard application (FPCA) or via a standard application for ballot by mail  (ABBM) and indicated that they are outside the United States. Ballots must be  mailed by this date or the 7th day after the clerk receives the application. If  the early voting clerk cannot meet this 45th-day deadline, the clerk  <strong>must</strong> notify  the Secretary of State within 24 hours. (Sec. 86.004(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: The 45th Day deadline under Section  86.004(b) is not extended by Section 1.006 to the next business day. The  ballots covered by Section 86.004(b) should be sent out on or before Saturday,  September 19, 2026.</strong></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> An  FPCA may be submitted by in-person delivery by the voter in accordance with  Section 84.008 of the Code or by common or contract carrier. Further, an  application is considered submitted in the following calendar year if: 1) the  applicant is eligible to vote in an election occurring in January or February  of the next calendar year; and 2) the application is submitted in the last 60  days of a calendar year but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of  the January or February election. (Sec. 101.052).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> A  member of the Texas National Guard or the National Guard of another state or a  member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States serving  on active duty under an order of the President of the United States or  activated on state orders, or the spouse or dependent of a member, may submit  an FPCA. (Sec. 101.001).</p>

	
<p><strong>Reminder Regarding FPCAs and Overseas  ABBMs:</strong> If the early voting clerk receives an FPCA  (from a military or non-military voter) after the 45th day deadline, then the  ballot  <strong>must</strong> be mailed within seven days after the early voting  clerk  <strong>receives</strong> the FPCA. (Secs. 86.004(b), 101.104).</p>

	
<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> For  mail ballots for other voters (not military voters using an FPCA or overseas  voters using an FPCA or ABBM), the early voting clerk  <strong>must</strong> mail  a ballot not later than the 7th day after the later of: (1) the date the early  voting clerk has accepted a voter&rsquo;s application for a ballot by mail or (2) the  date the ballots become available for mailing. But if the 7th day is before the  37th day before election day, the voter&rsquo;s mail ballot must be mailed no later  than the 30th day before election day. (Sec. 86.004(a)). This means that for  every application that comes in before the 37th day before election day, the  balloting materials must be mailed by the 30th day before election day. Any  application that comes in after the 37th day before election day will follow  the 7-day timeline in Sec. 86.004.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Information  on the early voting roster for both early voting in person and early voting by  mail must be made available for public inspection and on the county&rsquo;s website  if the county clerk or elections administrator is serving as the early voting  clerk. (Sec. 87.121).  <em>See  </em><a href="#Note23">Note 23.</a></p>

<h3>Monday,  September 28, 2026 (36th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Deadline for the Secretary of State to mail each county  judge a copy of the Governor&rsquo;s proclamation ordering the November General  Election for state and county officers. (Sec. 3.003(c)).</p>


<h2>October</h2>
<h3>Thursday, October 1, 2026 (33rd day before Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>Counties</strong>:  Deadline to receive a petition signed by 15 registered voters by the early  voting clerk requesting that a signature verification committee be created. A  request submitted by mail is considered to be submitted at the time of  its  <strong>receipt</strong> by the early voting clerk. (Sec. 87.027(a-1)).</p>

<h3>Friday, October  2, 2026 (32nd day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong><em>Recommended  </em></strong>date  for early voting clerk to issue  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-12f.pdf">order  (PDF)</a> calling for appointment of signature verification  committee, if one is to be established. (Sec. 87.027).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> If  the signature verification committee will start meeting on Wednesday, October 14,  2026, the early voting clerk must post a copy of the  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-12f.pdf">order  (PDF)</a>  calling for appointment of the signature  verification committee on or before this date as the notice must remain posted  continuously for at least 10 days before the first day the committee meets.  (Sec. 87.027(g)). This notice must be posted on the entity&rsquo;s website if the  entity maintains a website.</p>

<h3>Sunday, October  4, 2026 (30th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p>First day of period during which notice of  election must be published  <strong>if another method of giving notice is not  specified by a law outside the Election Code</strong>, and publication is the method  of giving notice selected. (Sec. 4.003(a)(1)). The notice for elections ordered  by a county or by an authority of a city or school district must be given by  publication in a newspaper in addition to any other method specified by a law  outside the Election Code. (Sec. 4.003(c), (d)). This notice may be combined  with the other notices you are required to publish.  <em>See  </em><a href="#Note8">Note 8.</a></p>

<p><strong>Cities, Schools, and Other Political  Subdivisions:</strong> It is  <strong><em>strongly recommended  </em></strong>that  the  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-38f.pdf">Notice  of Voting Order Priority (PDF)</a>  for  voters with mobility issues also be posted on the subdivision&rsquo;s website, if one  is maintained by the political subdivision. (Secs. 63.0015, 85.007(d)). For  more information on this requirement,  <em>see  </em><a href="#Note16">Note 16.</a></p>

<p><strong>Counties:</strong> The  <strong><em>recommended  </em></strong>time  to include this notice on a county website is when the notice of election is  also posted on the website. (Secs. 63.0015, 85.007(d)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Notice of Change to Polling Place  Location:</strong> For elections  <strong>ordered by the governor  or county judge only</strong>, if the location of the polling place changes after  notice has been given under Section 4.003, and the county election officer  maintains a website to inform voters about elections, the notice of the change  must be posted on the website (<em>see  </em><a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-50f.pdf">Notice  of Change to Polling Place (PDF))</a>. The notice  on the website must be given not later than the earlier of: (1) 24 hours after  the location was changed; or (2) 72 hours before the polls open on election  day. (Sec. 43.061).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Notice of Previous Polling Place:</strong> If a  different polling place is being used than at the previous election held by the  same authority, the  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/7-50f.pdf">Notice  of Change to Polling Place (PDF)</a>  must be  posted at the entrance of the previous polling place informing voters of the  current polling place location, if possible. (Sec. 43.062).</p>

<h3>Monday, October  5, 2026 (29th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p>Last day to register to vote for the Tuesday,  November 3, 2026 election. <strong>The deadline  is extended to the next regular business day, which is Monday, October 5, 2026,  because the 30th day is Sunday, October 4, 2026.</strong> (Secs. 1.006, 13.143(e),  15.025).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: A voter who submits a  change of address after this date may still be eligible to return to his or her  previous precinct to vote under &ldquo;fail-safe&rdquo; voting, if he or she still resides  in the <strong>same</strong> county and the same local political subdivision, if  applicable, conducting the election. If a voter has moved to a new county, then  a voter can vote a limited ballot. Voting by a limited ballot is only available  during the early voting period and <strong>only</strong> at the main early voting polling  place (or by mail). (Secs. 15.025, 63.0011, 112.002).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>A Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) also serves as an  application for <strong>permanent</strong> registration under Texas law <strong>unless  the voter marked &ldquo;my intent to return is uncertain&rdquo; using the </strong><a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf"><strong>FPCA form (PDF)</strong>.</a> The early voting clerk should make a copy (for mailing ballots, keeping  records, etc.), then should forward the original to the county voter registrar,  as soon as practicable. (Sec. 101.055; 1 T.A.C. § 81.40(a), (c)(2)).</p>

<p><strong><em>Recommended </em></strong>last day for early voting clerk to coordinate with the voter registrar receipt of  supplemental and registration correction lists, if applicable, or coordinate receipt of the revised original list from the voter registrar for early voting by personal appearance. (Secs. 18.001, 18.002, 18.003, 18.004).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> In regards to  mail ballots for other voters (not military voters using an FPCA or overseas  voters using an FPCA or ABBM), the early voting clerk must mail a ballot not  later than the 7th day after the later of: (1) the date the early voting clerk  has accepted a voter&rsquo;s application for a ballot by mail or (2) the date the  ballots become available for mailing. However, if the 7th day falls earlier  than the 37th day before election day (Sunday, September 27, 2026), the voter&rsquo;s  mail ballot must be mailed no later than the 30th day (Sunday, October 4, 2026)  before election day. (Sec. 86.004(a)). This means that for every application  that is accepted by the early voting clerk before the 37th day before election  day, the balloting materials must be mailed by the 30th day before election day. Any application that comes in after the 37th day before election day will  follow the 7-day timeline in Section 86.004.</p>

<h3>Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (27th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong><em>Recommended last  </em></strong>date for the county elections board to  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-13f.pdf">appoint (PDF)</a> a signature verification committee (if one was ordered not later than Friday, October 2, 2026 at the discretion of the county election officer and not required due to petition by 15 registered voters. The members must be appointed  not later than the fifth day after the order was issued by the early voting  clerk. The county elections board must post a notice of the appointment of committee members continuously until the last day the signature verification committee meets. (Sec. 87.027). This form may be used for the notice: <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-13f.pdf">Notice of Appointment of Signature Verification Committee (PDF)</a>.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section 51.002 requires notice of a meeting of the county election board to be posted not later than 48 hours before each meeting. The county clerk shall post notice of the meeting on the county&rsquo;s website, if the county maintains one.</p>

<h3>Friday,  October 9, 2026 (25th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>Counties</strong>: Deadline for Democratic and Republican County Chairs to submit to the precinct presiding  judges for each election day precinct, a list containing at least two persons who are eligible to serve as election clerks, in order to secure appointment of clerks affiliated or aligned with their respective parties. (Sec. 32.034(b)).</p>

<h3>Monday, October 12, 2026 (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples&rsquo; Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (21st day before Election Day)</h3>
<p>Last day to post notice of election required to be used for posting notices of meetings of governing body. (Sec. 4.003(b)).  A  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-19f.pdf">Record of Posting Notice of Election (PDF)</a> should be completed at the time of posting. (Sec. 4.005). <a href="#Note8"><em>See</em> Note on Notice of Elections.</a></p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Section 51.002 requires notice of a meeting of the county election board to be posted not later than 48 hours  before each meeting. The county clerk shall post notice of the meeting on the  county&rsquo;s website, if the county maintains one.</p>

<p>Last day to post notice of election in each election precinct, if the method of giving notice is <strong>not</strong> specified  by a law outside the Election Code and notice is given by this method in lieu of publication (extended deadline). (Sec. 4.003(a)(2)). The notice for elections ordered by the governor, a county authority, or by an authority of a  city or school district must be given by publication in a newspaper in addition to any other method specified by a law outside the Election Code. (Sec. 4.003(a)(1), (c), (d)). A <a href="../forms/pol-sub/1-19f.pdf">Record of Posting Notice of Election (PDF)</a> should be completed at the time of posting. (Sec. 4.005).</p>

<p><strong>All Political Subdivisions:</strong> The  election notice shall be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website, if the  political subdivision maintains a website. The order and notice should include  all days and hours for early voting by personal appearance including voting on <strong>ANY</strong> Saturday or Sunday. (Secs. 85.006, 85.007).  <strong>Note for cities and counties</strong>, the election notice <strong>must</strong> be  subsequently amended to include voting later ordered for <strong>ANY</strong> Saturday or Sunday and <strong>must</strong> be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website, if maintained.</p>

<p><strong>Note for Counties -</strong> Section  4.003 requires that counties post on the county website the notice and list of  polling locations of any political subdivision that delivers their notice to the county under Section 4.008. This is regardless of whether the county is  contracting with the entity and regardless of whether the entity is conducting their own election or contracting with the county.</p>

<p><strong>For Bond Elections</strong>: First day a political subdivision must post on their Internet website prominently and together with the notice of the election, a copy of the sample  ballot, and the contents of the proposition, if the political subdivision  maintains an Internet website. (Sec. 4.003(f)).</p>

<p>The  <strong><em>recommended  </em></strong>time  to include the notice of accepting voters with certain disabilities on a county  website is when the notice of election is also posted on the website. (Secs.  63.0013, 85.007(d)).  <a href="#Note16"><em>See</em> Note 16</a> regarding notice on accepting voters with certain disabilities.</p>

<p><strong>Counties, Cities, and School Districts: </strong>Last day for a county that holds an election or provides election services for an election to post certain information regarding the upcoming election(s) on the county&rsquo;s website per Section 4.009. A city or independent school district that holds an election and maintains an Internet website must also post this same election information on their website  even if the county is also posting this data. <em>See</em>  <a href="#Note3">Note 3 </a>for more information.</p>

<h3>Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (20th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p>First day that the signature verification  committee, if one is appointed, may begin operating. (Sec. 87.027).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> In counties with a population of 100,000 or more, the general custodian of election records shall implement a live-stream video surveillance system that retains a record of all areas containing voted ballots from the time the voted ballots are delivered to the central counting station, the signature verification committee, or early voting ballot board until the canvass of precinct election returns. (Sec. 127.1232). For more information, <em>see </em><a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-10</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Signature Verification Committee (if  appointed) Actions for a Defective Carrier Envelope</strong>: For  information on corrective action procedures,  <em>see  </em><a href="advisory2023-13.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2023-13.</a></p>

<p>Last day to post  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-17f.pdf">notice  (PDF)</a>  of places, days, and hours for voting at branch  early voting polling place if voting is to begin at that location on the first  day of early voting in person. The schedule may be amended after the beginning  of early voting by personal appearance to include notice of additional branch  locations, but any amendment must be made and posted not later than the fifth  day before voting begins at the additional temporary branch. (Secs. 85.062,  85.067(c), (d)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 3526 (2025, R.S.)</strong>,  effective September 1, 2025, creates new reporting requirements for local  entities that order an election to authorize a local government to issue bonds.  These reports must be sent to the  <a href="https://www.brb.texas.gov/">Texas Bond Review Board</a>. Not  later than the 20th day before election day for an election to authorize a  local government to issue bonds, the local government shall send the Bond  Review Board a report that includes:</p>

<ol>
  <li>the  date of the election;</li>
  <li>the  proposition number for each bond proposition;</li>
  <li>the  total estimated cost of the issuance of each proposed bond;</li>
  <li>the  estimated minimum dollar amount required to be annually expended for debt  service;</li>
  <li>a  description of the purpose of each bond proposition; and</li>
  <li>any  other information the board determines necessary.</li>
</ol>

<p>For more information on this requirement,  please contact the  <a href="https://www.brb.texas.gov/">Texas  Bond Review Board</a>.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Deadline for a person who is not permanently  registered to vote to submit a postmarked FPCA in order to receive a ballot for  any non-federal election held on November 3, 2026. A person who is not  permanently registered to vote and submits a postmarked FPCA after this date  (20th day) and before the deadline to submit an application for ballot by mail  is not entitled to receive a ballot for any non-federal election.  <em>See  </em><a href="#October19">Monday, October 19,  2026  </a>entry for timeliness of an FPCA received  without a postmark (extended deadline). (Sec. 101.052(e)).  <em>See  </em><a href="#Note17">Note 17  </a>for  more information on means of submitting FPCAs.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:  </strong>Be  sure to check the list of registered voters for permanent registration status.  Also, state law authorizes an FPCA to serve as an application for  <strong>permanent  registration</strong>; therefore, the person might be permanently registered based  on a prior FPCA. Even if the FPCA arrives too late for a particular election,  the early voting clerk will still need to forward the original FPCA to the  county voter registrar, after making a copy for your early voting clerk&rsquo;s use  (mailing ballots, etc.) and records unless the voter marked &ldquo;my intent to  return is uncertain&rdquo; using the  <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf">FPCA form  (PDF)</a>. (Sec. 101.055; 1 T.A.C. § 81.40).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:  Overseas (non-military) voters</strong> marking  the FPCA  <strong>&ldquo;my intent to return is uncertain&rdquo; using the</strong> <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf"><strong>FPCA  form (PDF)</strong></a>  receive a federal ballot  <strong>only</strong> regardless  of the date filed. (Chapter 114). In a local (non-federal) election, this means  there is  <strong>no ballot to send the voter.</strong></p>

<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.) -</strong> Last day to post  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/15-9f.pdf">notice (PDF)  </a>of L&amp;A test for electronic pollbooks if test will be  held on Friday, October 16, 2026. Notice of the L&amp;A Test must be posted on  the entity&rsquo;s website at least 48 hours before the test begins. (Sec.  129.0231).  <a href="#Note15"><em>See  </em>Note 15</a>  above.</p>

<p><strong>Thursday, October  15, 2026 – Friday, October 23, 2026 (19th day before Election Day - 11th day  before Election Day)</strong></p>

<p>A person submitting an  <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf">FPCA (PDF)</a>  during  this period who is  <strong>not</strong> registered to vote is not entitled to  receive a ballot for any non-federal election held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.  This means that a person submitting an FPCA during this period is entitled to  receive a federal ballot only if they are not already a permanent registered  voter. (Secs. 101.052(f), 114.002, 114.004). In a local election (where there  is no federal office on the ballot), this means there is  <strong>no ballot to  send the voter.</strong></p>

<p>The early voting clerk is required to  maintain a copy of this application since it may be used for other elections  and forward the original to the voter registrar. Also <em>see</em> entry below under <a href="#October19">Monday, October 19, 2026</a> (FPCA without a postmark). (Secs. 84.007, 101.052(e), (f)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:  </strong>Be  sure to check the list of registered voters for permanent registration status.  Also, state law authorizes an FPCA to also serve as an application for  <strong>permanent  registration</strong>; therefore, the person might be permanently registered based  on a prior FPCA. Even if the FPCA arrives too late for a particular election,  the early voting clerk will still need to forward the original FPCA to the county  voter registrar after making a copy for your early voting clerk&rsquo;s use (mailing  ballots, etc.) and records, except for  <strong>overseas (non-military)  voters</strong> marking the FPCA  <strong>&ldquo;my intent to return is  uncertain&rdquo;</strong> using the  <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf"><strong>FPCA  form (PDF)</strong></a>, in which case it will not serve as a  permanent registration. (Sec. 101.055; 1 T.A.C. § 81.40). These voters receive  a federal ballot  <strong>only</strong> regardless of the date filed. (Chapter  114). In a local (non-federal) election, this means there is  <strong>no ballot  to send the voter.</strong></p>

<h3>Friday,  October 16, 2026 (18th day before Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>NOTE: NEW LAW: SB 2166 (2025, R.S.)</strong>,effective  September 1, 2025, requires the general custodian of election records to perform logic and accuracy testing for electronic pollbook systems for each election. The test must be conducted at least 48 hours before voting begins in an election. (Sec. 129.023). (<em>See</em> <a href="#Note15">Note 15</a>, above).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> The general custodian of election records is required to demonstrate, using a  representative sample of voting system equipment, that the source code of the  equipment has not been altered. (Sec. 129.023(c-1)). <em>See</em> <a href="#Note15">Note 15</a> above for definition of representative sample. <em>See</em> <a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a> and <a href="advisory2022-30.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-30</a> for more information on hash validation and  voting system procedures.</p>

<h3><a name="October19" id="October19"></a>Monday, October 19, 2026 (15th day before Election Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3> First day to  vote early in person. (Sec. 85.001)</h3>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The early voting period for elections held  on the November uniform election date begins 17 days prior to election day, but  because this day falls on a weekend (Saturday, October 17, 2026), it is  extended to the next regular business day (Monday) under Section  85.001(c).  <em>See  </em><a href="#Note22">Note 22 on Early Voting Rosters.</a></p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Voting by limited ballot must be done during the early voting period at the main early  voting polling place (or by mail). (Sec. 112.002(a)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE - Counties</strong>: Early voting in person at the main early voting polling place must be conducted on each weekday of the early voting period that is not a legal state holiday and for a period of at least nine (9) hours, except that voting may not be conducted earlier than 6:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM. (Sec. 85.005(a)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 85.064 establishes uniform early  voting requirements  <strong>for all counties regardless of population size.</strong> Any  established temporary branch location must remain open for at least 8 hours on  each of the days that voting is required to be conducted at the main early  voting location.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Political Subdivisions Other than  Counties</strong>: Early voting in person must be conducted at least nine  (9) hours each weekday that is not a legal state holiday unless the political subdivision has fewer than 1,000 registered voters, in which case early voting in person must be conducted at least four (4) hours per day. (Sec. 85.005(b)). This rule only applies to the main early voting location. If entities are conducting early voting by personal appearance jointly,  <a href="#Note7"><em>see </em>Note 7</a> regarding joint elections generally.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Cities</strong> are <strong>not</strong> required  to choose two weekdays for the main early voting polling place location to be  open for at least 12 hours during the regular early voting period. (Sec.  85.005).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> For other  local political subdivisions that do not have a city or county election officer  serving as the early voting clerk, and which have fewer than 1,000 registered  voters, any established temporary branch location must remain open for at least  3 hours on each of the days that voting is required to be conducted at the main  early voting location.  <em>See  </em><a href="advisory2023-10.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2023-10</a>. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Independent School Districts:</strong> Despite the change in state law that allows an ISD to be closed on school holidays during the mandatory office hours period, you are <strong>required to be open</strong> during the entire early  voting period, except on legal state and national holidays. (Sec. 85.005(b)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Joint Elections</strong>: If entities are conducting early voting by personal appearance jointly, we  <em>recommend </em>a unified schedule covering all requirements; i.e., no entity&rsquo;s requirements should be neglected or subtracted as a result of a joint agreement. <a href="#Note7"><em>See</em> Note 7 </a>regarding  joint elections generally.</p>

<p>Deadline to receive an FPCA  <strong>without</strong> a postmark. If an FPCA is received by this date  <strong>without</strong> a  postmark to prove mailing date, the early voting clerk will accept the FPCA and  mail the applicant a full ballot even if the applicant is <strong>not</strong> a  permanently registered voter but meets the requirements under Title 2 of the  Election Code, unless the voter marks the  <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf">FPCA form (PDF)</a>  <strong>&ldquo;my intent to return is uncertain,&rdquo;</strong> in which case the voter receives a federal-only  ballot. (Sec. 101.052(i)(1)).</p>

<p>Last day to notify election judges of duty to hold election (<a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-17f.pdf">Writ of Election (PDF</a>). Notice must be given by the 15th day before the election or the 7th day after the day the election is ordered,  whichever is later. The Writ of Election must be given to each presiding judge and include:</p>

<ol>
  <li>The  judge&rsquo;s duty to hold the election;</li>
  <li>The  type and date of election;</li>
  <li>The  polling place location at which the judge will serve;</li>
  <li>The  polling place hours; and</li>
  <li>The  maximum number of clerks the judge may appoint. (Sec. 4.007).</li>
</ol>

<h3><a name="_Hlk229560233" id="_Hlk229560233">Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (13th day before Election Day; 72 hours preceding first hour  Saturday early voting will be conducted)</a></h3>
	
<p>Deadline  to post notice <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-16f.pdf">(PDF)</a> of <strong>Saturday</strong> early voting on county website. The notice must be posted continuously for at  least 72 hours preceding the first hour that early voting on Saturday, October 24, 2026 will be  conducted. (Sec. 85.007(b), (c)).</p>

	
<p>In counties with a population of 100,000 or more, deadline to post notice of <strong>Saturday </strong>early voting at any required temporary branch locations (created under Section  85.062(d) of the Texas Election Code). The notice must be posted continuously for at least 72 hours preceding the first hour that early voting on Saturday, October 24, 2026 will be conducted. (Secs. 85.006(e), 85.007(c), 85.062(d), 85.064(d), 85.068).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - All Political Subdivisions, Except Counties: </strong>Voting on any Saturday or Sunday must be included in the order and notice of election. City secretaries no longer have the authority to order Saturday or Sunday early voting 72 hours immediately preceding the first hour that voting will be conducted. Local political subdivisions must have early voting on Saturday or  Sunday, if a written request (PDF) is received from at least 15 registered voters of the political subdivision prior to the election being ordered. (Secs. 85.006, 85.007).</p>

	
<h3><a name="October22" id="October22">Thursday, October 22, 2026 (12th day before Election Day; day before the last day to apply for a ballot by mail)</a></h3>
	
<p>Deadline  to post  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-16f.pdf">notice (PDF)</a> of <strong>Sunday</strong> early  voting on county website. The notice must be posted continuously for at least  72 hours preceding the first hour that early voting on Sunday, October 25, 2026  will be conducted. (Sec. 85.007(b), (c)).</p>

	
<p>In  counties with a population of 100,000 or more, deadline to post notice of  <strong>Sunday</strong> early  voting at any required temporary branch locations (created under Section  85.062(d) of the Texas Election Code). The notice must be posted continuously  for at least 72 hours preceding the first hour that early voting on Sunday, October  25, 2026 will be conducted. (Secs. 85.006(e), 85.007(c), 85.062(d), 85.064(d),  85.068).</p>

	
<p>First day a voter who becomes sick or disabled on or after Thursday, October 22, 2026, may submit an application for  a late ballot if the sickness or physical condition prevents the voter from appearing at the polling place without the likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring his or her health. (Sec. 102.001). <em>See </em><a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-32f.pdf">Application  for Emergency Early Voting Ballot Due to Sickness or Physical Disability (PDF)</a>. Applications may continue to be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on election day.  (Sec. 102.003). For more information, <em>see</em><a href="https://www.votetexas.gov/"> VoteTexas.gov</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The county  clerk/elections administrator must ensure that photocopies or electronic  recordings of annual applications for ballot by mail have been delivered to the  early voting clerk of every political subdivision holding an election before  the ballots by mail are delivered to the early voting ballot board.</p>

	
<h3><a name="October23" id="October23">Friday,  October 23, 2026 (11th day before Election Day)</a></h3>
	
<p>Last day to receive an <a href="https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf">FPCA (PDF)</a> from a voter. If the voter is  <strong>not</strong> registered in the county (and/or marked &ldquo;intent to return uncertain&rdquo;), <strong>the voter is still eligible for a  ballot containing federal offices only.</strong> In a local (non-federal)  election, this means there is no ballot to send the voter. (Secs. 101.052(b),  (f), 114.004(c)).</p>

	
<p>Last day for early voting clerk to receive  applications for a ballot to be voted by mail. (Sec. 84.007(c)). All  applications to vote by mail must be received by the early voting clerk before  the close of regular business or 12 noon,  <strong>whichever is later</strong>.  Applications to vote by mail must be submitted by mail, common or contract  carrier, in-person delivery by the voter, fax (if a fax machine is available in  the office of the early voting clerk), or by electronic submission of a scanned  application with an original signature. The early voting clerk&rsquo;s designated email address must be posted on the Secretary of State&rsquo;s website.</p>

	
<p>If an ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA  is faxed, then the applicant must submit the ORIGINAL application BY MAIL to  the early voting clerk so that the early voting clerk <strong>receives the  original no later than the 4th business day after receiving the emailed or  faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA</strong>. If the early voting clerk does not receive the  original ABBM or FPCA by that deadline, then the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed  FPCA will be considered incomplete, and the early voting clerk may NOT send the  applicant a ballot. The requirement to mail the original application does not  apply to an  <strong>emailed</strong> FPCA.</p>

<p>An applicant for a ballot to be voted by mail  (ABBM or FPCA) may submit the application by delivering it in person to the  early voting clerk if the application is submitted not later than the close of  regular business in the clerk&rsquo;s office on Friday, October 23, 2026. (Sec. 84.008). For more information on submission of ABBMs and FPCAs, <em>see</em> <a href="#Note17">Note 17</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 86.008 provides that if the early voting clerk determines that it would not be  possible for the applicant to correct certain defects in a mail ballot application and return an application form by mail before the deadline, the  clerk may notify the applicant by telephone or e-mail of the defect and inform  the applicant that the applicant may come to the early voting clerk&rsquo;s office  before the deadline and correct the defect in person. The clerk shall notify  the applicant of a defect discovered and provide the information required to permit the applicant to correct the defect using the Secretary of State&rsquo;s online Ballot by Mail Tracker, if possible. <a href="#Note18"><em>See </em>Note 18.</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> An application is considered submitted in the following calendar year if: 1) the  applicant is eligible to vote in an election occurring in January or February  of the next calendar year; and 2) the application is submitted in the last 60  days of a calendar year but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election. (Sec. 101.052).</p>

	
<p><strong>Note for Counties:</strong> Last  day for county clerk/elections administrator to deliver final list of voters  that have submitted an annual application for ballot by mail to political  subdivisions located within the county holding an election on November 3, 2026,  for which the county clerk/elections administrator is not the early voting clerk  via a joint election agreement or contract for election services. (Sec.  86.0015(c)).</p>

	
<h3>Saturday, October  24, 2026 (10th day before Election Day; last Saturday of early voting period)</h3>
<p><a name="_Hlk229561610" id="_Hlk229561610"><strong>Extended  weekend early voting for ALL counties (regardless of population)</strong></a>. Early voting must be conducted for  <strong>at  least 12 consecutive hours</strong> on the last Saturday of the early voting  period at the main early voting polling place. In counties with a population of  100,000 or more, early voting must be conducted for at least 12 consecutive  hours on the last Saturday of the early voting period at any required temporary  branch locations (created under Section 85.062(d) of the Texas Election Code).  (Secs. 85.006(e), 85.062(d), 85.064(d)).  <a href="advisory2024-17-nov-5-dec-14-2024-election-calendar.shtml#_bookmark8"><em>See  </em>Note 10</a>  and  <a href="advisory2023-10.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No.  2023-10</a>.  </p>

	
<p>Last  day of period during which notice of the November General Election for state  and county officers and other elections ordered by a county or a city or school  district must be published in a newspaper of general circulation. (Sec.  4.003(a)(1)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The election  notice shall be posted on the political subdivision&rsquo;s website, if the political  subdivision maintains a website.</p>

	
<p>Last day to mail a copy of the notice of  election to each registered voter of the territory that is covered by the  election and is in the jurisdiction of the authority responsible for giving the  notice  <strong>if method of giving notice is not specified by a law outside the  Election Code</strong> and this method of giving notice is selected. (Secs.  1.006, 4.003(a)(3)).</p>

	
<h3>Sunday,  October 25, 2026 (9th day before Election Day; last Sunday of early voting  period)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Extended weekend early voting for ALL counties (regardless of  population)</strong>. Early voting must be  conducted for  <strong>at least 6 consecutive hours</strong> on the last Sunday of  the early voting period at the main early voting polling place. In counties  with a population of 100,000 or more, early voting must be conducted for at  least 6 hours on the last Sunday of the early voting period at any required  temporary branch locations (created under Section 85.062(d) of the Texas  Election Code). (Secs. 85.006(e), 85.062(d), 85.064(d)).  <a href="#Note10"><em>See  </em>Note 10</a>. </p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> There is no  petition process to require a county with a population less than 100,000 to  conduct weekend early voting at temporary branch locations. However, the early  voting clerk may voluntarily order weekend early voting at temporary branch  locations by written order if they choose to do so.</p>

	
<p>Deadline to post  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-3f.pdf">Notice  of Delivery of Early Voting Balloting Materials (PDF)</a>, if  ballot board will be meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026. Notice of delivery  must be posted at the main early voting location continuously for 24 hours  prior to delivery, if delivery will occur before election day. (Sec. 87.0222).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: The Notice  of Delivery of Early Voting Balloting Materials serves as notice of the  convening of the early voting ballot board. This notice should be posted every  time the early voting ballot board reconvenes.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> The  county clerk/elections administrator must ensure that photocopies or electronic  recordings of annual applications for ballot by mail have been delivered to the  early voting clerk of every political subdivision holding an election before  the ballots by mail are delivered to the early voting ballot board.</p>

<h3>Monday,  October 26, 2026 – Friday, October 30, 2026 (last week of early voting by  personal appearance)</h3>
<p>Early  voting must be conducted for at least 12 consecutive hours on each weekday of  the last week of the early voting period at the main early voting polling  place. Voting may not be conducted earlier than 6:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM.  (Sec. 85.005(c)). </p>

	
<h3>Monday, October  26, 2026 (8th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><a name="_Hlk229562547" id="_Hlk229562547"><strong>Extended weekday early  voting for ALL counties (regardless of population)</strong></a>. Early voting must be  conducted for  <strong>at least 12 consecutive hours</strong> on each weekday of  the last week of the early voting period at the main early voting polling  place. Voting may not be conducted earlier than 6:00 AM or later than 10:00 PM.  (Sec. 85.005(c)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> In counties  with a population of 100,000 or more, the general custodian of election records  shall implement a live-stream video surveillance system that retains a record  of all areas containing voted ballots from the time the voted ballots are  delivered to the central counting station, the signature verification  committee, or early voting ballot board until the canvass of precinct election  returns. (Sec. 127.1232). For more information,  <em>see  </em><a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-10</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section  87.0222 provides that not later than the ninth day before election day, the  jacket envelopes containing early voting ballots voted by mail  <strong>MUST</strong> be  delivered to the early voting ballot board.  <strong>This requirement applies  regardless of the county&rsquo;s population size</strong>. Any jacket envelopes of early  voting ballots voted by mail returned after delivery of the ballots to the  early voting ballot board may be delivered to the presiding judge of the early  voting ballot board between the end of the ninth day before election day and  the closing of the polls on election day, or as soon after closing as  practicable, at the time or times specified by the presiding judge. The early  voting clerk shall post notice of each delivery of balloting materials that is  to be made before the time for opening the polls on election day. The notice  must be posted at the main early voting polling place continuously for at least  24 hours immediately preceding the delivery.</p>

	
<p>Because the ninth day falls on Sunday, October 25, 2026,  the deadline is extended to Monday, October 26, 2026. (Sec. 1.006).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The EVBB can  meet as soon as the county has received voted ballots by mail from voters and  those materials are delivered to the ballot board. The ballot board does not  have to wait until this ninth-day deadline to meet.</p>

	
<h3>Wednesday,  October 28, 2026 (6th day and 4th business day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>5:00 p.m.</strong> —  Deadline to submit a  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/4-35f.pdf">Request  for Election Inspectors (PDF)</a>  for  election day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to the Secretary of State. (Sec.  34.001).</p>

	
<h3><a name="October29" id="October29">Thursday, October 29, 2026 (5th day before Election Day;  day before the last day to vote early in person)</a></h3>
	
<p>A voter is eligible to vote  a late ballot if they will be out of the county of residence on election day  due to a death in the immediate family (related within 2nd degree of consanguinity  or affinity) that occurs on or after this day. The voter may submit the  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-28f.pdf">Application for Emergency  Early Ballot Due to Death in Family (PDF)</a>  starting Saturday,  October 31, 2026 (the day after early voting in person ends). (Secs. 103.001,  103.003(b)). An application may be submitted after the last day of the period  for early voting by personal appearance and before the close of business on the  day before election day. (Sec. 103.003). </p>

	
<p><a name="_Hlk229562856" id="_Hlk229562856">Deadline for the early  voting clerk to receive, by mail, the original or a copy with a wet signature  of an ABBM that was faxed or emailed or of an FPCA that was faxed on the  deadline to apply for a ballot by mail, Friday, October 23, 2026.</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Sec. 84.007(b-1) provides that a voter who faxed or emailed their ABBM or faxed their FPCA must mail the original to the early voting clerk so that the early voting clerk <strong>receives the original no later than the 4th business day after receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA</strong>. For more information, <em>see </em><a href="#Note17">Note 17</a>.</p>

	
<h3>Friday, October 30, 2026 (4th day before Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>Last day to vote early in person.</strong> (Sec. 85.001(a)).</p>

	
<p>Early voting clerk must post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-4f.pdf">Notice of Delivery of Early Voting Balloting Materials (PDF)</a> to the early voting ballot board if materials are to be delivered to the board on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Notice must be posted continuously for 24 hours preceding each delivery to the board. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.0222, 87.023, 87.024,  87.0241).</p>

	
<p><strong>After the polls close at the end of early voting</strong>, the ballot board and/or central counting station may convene to perform the following activities, depending on the population size of the county:</p>

	
<h3>Counties with a population of 100,000 or more that use electronic voting systems:</h3>
	
<p>In an election conducted by an authority of a county with a population of 100,000 or more that uses electronic voting  systems, or conducted jointly with such a county or conducted with such a county through a contract for election services, the early voting ballot board may begin counting at the end of the period for early voting by personal appearance. (Sec. 87.0241(b)(2)).</p>

	
<p><strong>After the polls close at the end of early voting by personal appearance</strong>, counties with a population of 100,000 or more (or local subdivisions conducting a joint election with such a county or conducting an election through a contract for election services with such a county) may convene their early voting ballot board and begin <strong>counting </strong>ballots; <strong>however, the results may not be announced until after the polls close.</strong> (Secs.  87.0222, 87.0241).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>If ballots are to be delivered before election day, the early voting clerk must post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-4f.pdf">notice (PDF)</a> at least 24 hours before each delivery at the main early voting polling place. (Secs. 87.0221(b),  87.023(b), 87.024(b)). </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: NEW LAW: SB 2217 (2025, R.S.)</strong> - In  an election using centrally counted optical scan ballots, the presiding judge  of the central counting station shall prepare a report regarding the total  number of ballots scanned by each optical scanner from each data storage  device. The presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare one  report for the total number of ballots from each specific data-storage device.  The presiding judge of the central counting station must prepare the report for  the data-storage device before the information from the storage device is read  into a central accumulator. The report prepared before the opening of polling  locations on election day may not contain information on the number of votes  cast for any candidate or for or against any proposition. (Sec. 127.1302).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 127.1232 provides that in  counties with a population of 100,000 or more, the general custodian of  election records shall implement a video surveillance system that retains a  record of all areas containing voted ballots: (1) from the time the voted  ballots are delivered to the central counting station until the canvass of the  precinct election returns; and (2) from the time the voted ballots are  delivered to the signature verification committee or early voting ballot board  until the canvass of precinct election returns. Video from the surveillance  system shall be made available to the public by live stream. The recorded video  is considered an election record and shall be retained by the general custodian  until the end of the calendar year in which an election is held or until an  election contest filed in the county has been resolved, whichever is later.  (Sec. 127.1232).  <em>See  </em><a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election  Advisory No. 2022-10</a>. </p>

	
<h3>Counties with  a Population of Less than 100,000:</h3>
	
<p>These counties may convene their early voting  ballot board for processing and qualifying mail ballots, but cannot begin  counting the ballots until the polls open on election day. These counties can  meet whenever they have ballots, but at the very least have to meet at some  point on or before the 9th day before election day. The early voting clerk  shall continuously post notice for 24 hours preceding each delivery of voting  materials that is to be made before the time for opening the polls on election  day. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.023, 87.024, 87.0241).  <em>See  </em><a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-4f.pdf">Notice  of Delivery of Early Voting Balloting Materials (PDF)</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> For  more information on corrective action procedures,  <em>see  </em><a href="#Note18">Note 18.</a></p>

	
<h3><a name="October31" id="October31">Saturday,  October 31, 2026 (3rd day before Election Day)</a></h3>
<p>First day to submit an  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-28f.pdf">Application for Emergency  Early Ballot Due to Death in Family (PDF)</a>  to vote a late ballot because of a  death in the immediate family that occurred on or after Thursday, October 29,  2026, and will require absence from the county on election day. (Secs. 103.001,  103.003(b)). An application may be submitted after the last day of the period  for early voting by personal appearance and before the close of business on the  day before election day. (Sec. 103.003). </p>

<br />


	
<h2>November</h2><br />

<h3>Sunday, November  1, 2026 (Daylight Savings Time Ends)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Monday, November  2, 2026 (day before Election Day)</h3>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> For November 2, 2027 Election: Chapter  2051 of the Government Code requires any political subdivision with the  authority to impose a tax that maintained a publicly available Internet website  at any time on or after January 1, 2019, to post on that website the  requirements and deadline for filing for candidacy of each elected office of  the political subdivision continuously for one year before the election day for  that office.  <em>See  </em><a href="advisory2019-19.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election  Advisory No. 2019-19.</a></p>

<p>Last day to submit an  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-28f.pdf">Application  for Emergency Early Ballot Due to Death in Family (PDF)</a>. The  application must be submitted by the close of business on this day. (Sec.  103.003(b)).</p>

<p>Last day for early voting clerk to mark the  precinct list of registered voters with a notation beside each name of voter  who voted early, and deliver list to election judges. The early voting clerk  must also deliver the precinct early voting list. (Sec. 87.122). This may be  delivered electronically if your county is using an e-poll book.</p>

<p><strong>Delivery of Provisional Ballots and Forms</strong>: If  the voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and  forms on election night, the voter registrar must inform the custodian of the  election records and post a  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-7f.pdf">Notice  of Election Night Transfer (PDF)</a>  no  later than Monday, November 2, 2026, 24 hours before election day. (1 T.A.C. §  81.174(d)(3)). However, under this type of delivery, the county voter  registrar  <strong>must</strong> go to the custodian of election records office  and pick up the provisional ballots and forms.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Under this type of delivery, the county voter registrar must go to the office  of the custodian of election records and pick up the provisional ballots and  forms.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The general  custodian of election records (or the early voting clerk, if applicable) must  also post a  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-8f.pdf">Notice  of Delivery of Provisional Ballots (PDF)</a>  at  least 24 hours before delivery will occur. (1 T.A.C. § 81.174(b)(1)).</p>

<h3><a name="November3" id="November3"></a><a name="_bookmark31" id="_bookmark31"></a>Tuesday,  November 3, 2026 (Election Day)</h3>
<table class="norm" summary="Tuesday, November 5, 2026 Election Day">
  <tr>
    <th width="25%" valign="top" scope="col"><p align="center"><strong>7:00    a.m. – 7:00 p.m.</strong></p>
</th>
    <td width="75%" valign="top"><p>Polls open. (Sec. 41.031).<br />
      Voter registrar&rsquo;s office is open. (Sec. 12.004(c)).<br />
      Early voting clerk&rsquo;s office is open for early voting activities. A voter may deliver a marked ballot by mail to the early voting clerk&rsquo;s office while the polls are open on election day. The voter must provide an acceptable form of identification under Section 63.0101 upon delivery. The identification procedure is the same as that used for personal    appearance voting. (Secs. 63.0101, 83.011, 86.006).</p>
</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <th width="25%" valign="top" scope="col"><p align="center"><strong>5:00 p.m.</strong></p>
</th>
    <td width="75%" valign="top"><p>Deadline for receiving  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/5-32f.pdf">Application for Emergency Early Voting Ballot Due to Sickness or Physical Disability (PDF)</a>  for late ballots to be voted by persons who became sick or disabled on or after Thursday, <a href="#October22">October 22, 2026</a>. (Sec. 102.003(b)).</p>
</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <th width="25%" valign="top" scope="col"><p align="center"><strong>7:00 p.m.</strong></p>
</th>
    <td width="75%" valign="top"><p>Regular deadline for receiving <strong>early voting ballots</strong> by mail. <strong>BUT <em>see</em></strong> <a href="#November4"><strong>entry</strong> </a><strong>for Wednesday, November 4, 2026 on &ldquo;late domestic ballots&rdquo; and</strong> <a href="#November9"><strong>entry</strong></a><strong> for Monday, November 9, 2026 on other &ldquo;late&rdquo; ballots.</strong></p>

      <p>This is also the deadline to receive <strong>late ballots cast by voters who became sick or disabled</strong> on or after    Thursday, <a href="#October22">October 22, 2026.</a> (Secs. 86.007(a), 102.006(c)).</p>
</td>
  </tr>
</table>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 61.002 provides that immediately before the opening of the polls on election day, the presiding judge or alternate judge shall confirm that the public counters on each voting machine are set to zero and shall print the tape that shows that there are zero votes for each candidate or measure on the ballot. Immediately after the closing of the polls on election day, the presiding judge or alternate judge shall print the tape to show the number of votes cast for  each candidate or measure. Each election judge and alternate judge shall sign the printed tapes. (Sec. 61.002).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The presiding  judge of the central counting station must provide and attest to a written  reconciliation of votes and voters at the close of tabulation for election day  and again after the central counting station meets for the last time to process  late-arriving ballots by mail and provisional ballots. (Sec. 127.131).  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/12-1f.pdf">Preliminary  Election Reconciliation (PDF) – Unofficial Totals form (Election Day)</a>.  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/12-2f.pdf">Election  Reconciliation Form (PDF) – Official Results (Canvass Form)</a>.  <a href="#Note19"><em>See  </em>Note  on Reconciliation.</a></p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Receipt of Mail Ballots</strong>: All  early voting ballots sent by mail from inside the United States that are  received by 7:00 p.m. on election day, November 3, 2026,  <strong>must be  counted on election night</strong>. If the carrier envelope does not bear a  cancellation mark or a receipt mark, the ballot must arrive before the time the  polls are required to close  <strong>on election day</strong>. (Sec. 86.007(a)(1)).  If the early voting clerk cannot determine whether a ballot arrived before the  deadline, the ballot is considered to have arrived at the time the place at  which the carrier envelopes are deposited was last inspected for removal of  returned ballots. (Sec. 86.007(b)). The early voting clerk  <strong>must</strong> check  the mailbox for early voting mail ballots at least once after the time for regular  mail delivery. (Sec. 86.007(b)).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> <strong>An early voting mail ballot that is not received by 7:00  p.m. on election day may not be counted unless the ballot may be counted late,  which applies to ballots mailed from outside the United States (Sec. 86.007(d)), late domestic ballots (Sec. 86.007(a)(2)), and ballots from members of the armed forces and merchant marine of the United States, Texas National Guard or the National Guard of another state or members of the Reserves, as well as their spouses and dependents (Sec. 101.057). <em>See </em></strong><a href="#November4"><strong>entry</strong> </a><strong>for Wednesday, November 4, 2026 and</strong> <a href="#November9"><strong>entry</strong></a><strong> for Monday, November 9, 2026.  <em>See </em></strong><a href="advisory2018-02.shtml"><strong>Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-02.</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>NOTE: Delivery of Early Voting by Personal Appearance and Mail Ballots:</strong> The early voting clerk delivers the voted ballots, the key to the double-locked ballot box, etc., to the early voting ballot board at the time or times specified by the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board, during the hours the polls are open or as soon after the polls close as practicable. (Secs. 87.021, 87.022). The custodian of the key to the second lock of the double-locked early voting ballot box delivers his or her key to the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board on request of the presiding judge. (Secs. 85.032(d), 87.025). </p>

	
<p>The custodian is the sheriff for county elections; the chief of police or city marshal for city elections; and the  constable of the justice precinct in which the political subdivision&rsquo;s main office is located (or the sheriff, if there is no constable), for other political subdivision elections. (Sec. 66.060). If ballots are to be delivered  before election day, the early voting clerk must post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-3f.pdf">notice (PDF) </a>at least 24 hours before each delivery at the main early voting polling  place. <a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-10</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Note on Delivery of Early Voting Ballots to Early Voting Ballot Board Before Election Day:</strong> Any jacket envelopes of early voting ballots voted by mail returned after delivery of the ballots to the early voting ballot board may be delivered to the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board between the end of the ninth day before election day and the closing of the polls on election day, or as soon after closing as practicable, at the time or times specified by the presiding judge.</p>

<p>Mail ballots may be qualified and processed  (signatures verified, carrier envelopes opened, and the secrecy envelope  containing the ballot placed in a secure location), but they may not be counted  until election day. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.0222, 87.023, 87.024, 87.0241). If  ballots are to be delivered before election day, the early voting clerk must  post  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-3f.pdf">notice  (PDF)</a>  at least 24 hours before each delivery at the main  early voting polling place.</p>

	
<p><strong>Exception:</strong> Counties with a population of 100,000 or more, or entities that are having joint elections with counties with a population of 100,000 or more or who are conducting an election through a contract for election services with such a county, may begin counting ballots no earlier than the end of the period for  early voting by personal appearance; the results may not be released until the  polls close on election day. If ballots are to be delivered before election day, the early voting clerk must post <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-4f.pdf">notice  (PDF)</a>  at least 24 hours before each delivery at the main  early voting polling place. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.0222, 87.023, 87.024,  87.0241(b), 87.042).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> In counties  with a population of 100,000 or more, the general custodian of election records  shall implement a live-stream video surveillance system that retains a record  of all areas containing voted ballots from the time the voted ballots are delivered to the central counting station, the signature verification committee, or early voting ballot board until the canvass of precinct election returns. (Sec. 127.1232). For more information, <em>see </em><a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-10</a>.</p>

<p><strong>NOTE – NEW LAW: SB 2217 (2025, R.S.)</strong> - In an election using centrally counted optical scan ballots, the presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare a report regarding the total number of ballots scanned by each optical scanner from each data storage device. The presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare one report for the total number of ballots from each specific data-storage device. The presiding judge of the central counting station must prepare the report for the data-storage device before the information from the storage device is read into a central accumulator. The report prepared before the opening of polling locations on election day may not contain information on the number of votes cast for any candidate or for or against any proposition. (Sec. 127.1302).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE – Manual Examination of Ballots Before Processing on Automatic Counting Equipment</strong>: The central counting station manager shall direct the manual examination of all electronic voting system ballots to ascertain whether the ballots can be processed in the usual manner or if the ballots need to be duplicated to clearly reflect the voter&rsquo;s intent. (Sec. 127.125).</p>

<p><strong>NOTE – Testing of Tabulating Equipment:</strong> The <strong>second test</strong> of automatic tabulating equipment  used for counting ballots at a central counting station must be conducted immediately before the counting of ballots with equipment begins. The <strong>third test</strong> must be conducted immediately after the counting is completed. (Secs.  127.093, 127.097, 127.098). <em>See </em><a href="#Note15">Note 15</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Transfer of Provisional Ballots to Voter Registrar on Election Night:</strong> The county voter registrar may take possession of the ballot box(es) or transfer case(s) containing the provisional ballots on election night (instead of on the next  business day) by informing the custodian of election records and posting a notice of such election night transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. Under this type of delivery, the voter registrar must go to the office of  the custodian and pick up the ballot box(es) or transfer case(s) and associated forms. (Sec. 65.052; 1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174 &amp; 81.176). <em>See  </em>
  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-7f.pdf">Verification of Provisional Ballots and Serial Numbers (PDF)</a>.</p>

	
<p>After the polling place is officially closed and the last person has voted, the presiding judge may from time to time make  an unofficial announcement of the total number of votes counted for each candidate and/or for or against each proposition in the order that they appear on the ballot. (Sec. 65.015(a)). The announcement shall be made at the entrance to the polling place. (Sec. 65.015(c)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The authority conducting the election may require or prohibit such announcements. (Sec.  65.015(b)). Unofficial election results must be released by the central  counting station as soon as they are available after the polls close, but the presiding judge of the central counting station, in cooperation with the county election officer, may choose to withhold the release of vote totals until the  last voter has voted. (Sec. 127.1311).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: Precinct Election Returns:</strong> Precinct election returns are delivered to the appropriate authorities after completion. (Secs. 66.053(a), 127.065, 127.066, 127.067).</p>

	
<p>Last day to post notice of governing authority&rsquo;s meeting to canvass returns of election if canvass is to take place  on Friday, November 6, 2026 (3rd business day after election). (Sec. 67.003(b)). This notice must be posted <strong>at least three business  days</strong> before the scheduled date of the meeting. (Secs. 551.002, 551.041, 551.043, Government Code). The notice of a meeting of a governmental body must be posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all  times for at least three business days.</p>

<p><strong>NEW LAW NOTE: HB 1522 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, modifies notice requirements for meetings  conducted under the open-meetings law by changing the notice posting requirement from a minimum of 72 hours to at least three business days before the date of the scheduled meeting. (Sec. 551.043, Government Code).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 67.003 provides that, except as provided by Section 67.003(c), each local canvassing authority shall convene to conduct the local canvass at the time set by the canvassing authority&rsquo;s presiding officer not later than the 11th day after election day and not earlier than the later of:</p>

	
<ol>
  <li>the <strong>third day after election day;</strong></li>
  <li>the date on which the early voting ballot board has verified and counted all provisional ballots, if a provisional ballot has been cast in the election; or</li>
  <li>the date on which all timely received ballots cast from addresses outside of the  United States are counted, if a ballot to be voted by mail in the election was provided to a person outside of the United States.</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>Counties, Cities, and School Districts:</strong> Section 65.016 provides for election results information which must be posted on county, city, and school district websites. A county that holds an election or provides election services for an election for a public entity must post certain information regarding election results on their website after the election. A city or independent school district that holds an election and maintains an Internet website must also post certain information on their website related to election results, even if the county is also posting. All entities must post the required information <strong>as soon as practicable after the election.</strong> For more information, <em>see </em><a href="#Note3"><strong>Note 3</strong></a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>Counties with a Population of 250,000 or more</strong>: Under Section 127.009 of the Election Code, counties with a population of 250,000 or more must forward a copy of the audit logs from the central counting station to the Secretary of State no later than the fifth day after voting is completed. The information may be forwarded to the Secretary of State by email,  thumb drive, or by mail.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 521 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, makes several changes to curbside voting and  assistance procedures. All curbside voters must fill out a form attesting that they are physically unable to enter the polling place. The form can be filled  out either on an electronic pollbook or on a separate paper form. (Sec. 61.003).</p>

	
<p>When curbside voters are given transportation by another person, the election officer must ask the person providing  transportation whether the person has assisted seven or more curbside voters  during the entire voting period (meaning early voting and election day combined). If the driver indicates that they have assisted seven or more curbside voters, then he or she must complete and sign a form that contains the person&rsquo;s name and address and indicates whether the person is assisting the voter with voting as well. These forms must be delivered to our office as soon as practicable. (Sec. 64.009).</p>

	
<h3><a name="November4" id="November4">Wednesday,  November 4, 2026 (1st day after Election Day)</a></h3>
	
<p><strong>5:00 p.m. –</strong> Deadline to receive &ldquo;<strong>late domestic ballots&rdquo;</strong> mailed  <strong>within</strong> the  United States from <strong>non- military voters and from any military voters</strong> who submitted an <strong>Application for Ballot by Mail</strong> (&ldquo;ABBM&rdquo;) (<strong>not</strong> a Federal Postcard Application – &ldquo;FPCA&rdquo;), if the carrier  envelope was placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier  <strong>AND</strong> bears a cancellation mark of a postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier indicating a time not later than <strong>7:00  p.m.</strong> at the location of the election on election day,  <a href="#November3">November 3, 2026</a>. (Secs. 86.007, 101.057, 101.001). A late domestic ballot <strong>cannot be  counted</strong> if it does <strong>not</strong> bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> <strong>Because of the deadline to receive &ldquo;late domestic ballots&rdquo; it is imperative that you check your mail at 5:00 p.m.</strong></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> This deadline does <strong>not</strong> apply to ballots sent by non-military voters who are  overseas but applied for a ballot using an ABBM; these voters have until the 5th day after election day to return their ballots (or the next business day if the 5th day falls on a weekend or legal state or federal holiday). This deadline also does  <strong>not</strong> apply to ballots mailed (domestically or from overseas) by certain members of the military who applied for a ballot using an FPCA; those voters have until the 6th day after election day to return their ballots. <em>See </em><a href="#November9"><strong>entry</strong> </a>for Monday, November 9, 2026.</p>

	
<p>Unless the county voter registrar has already taken possession of the provisional ballots prior to this date, the general  custodian of election records must deliver the ballot box(es) or transfer case(s) containing the provisional ballots (or provisional ballot affidavits when DRE systems are used), along with the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-4f.pdf">Summary of Provisional Ballots (PDF)</a> and the <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-6f.pdf">List of Provisional Voters (PDF)</a> for each precinct to the voter registrar by this day. The general custodian of election records makes this delivery to the voter registrar during the voter registrar office&rsquo;s regular business hours. (Secs. 65.052, 65.053; 1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174, 81.176).</p>

	
<p><strong>Note for Political Subdivisions Located in More than One County:</strong> A political subdivision will have to make  delivery of the provisional ballots and forms to the county voter registrar in <strong>each</strong> county in which the political subdivision is located. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> If the county voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and forms on election night (Tuesday, November 3, 2026), the county voter registrar must inform the custodian of the election records and post a notice of the transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. However, under this type of delivery, the county voter registrar <strong>must</strong> go to the office of the general custodian of election records and pick up the provisional ballots and forms. Also, note that the county voter registrar may take possession of provisional ballots prior to election night if ballots are kept separate and may be provided without unlawful entry into ballot box. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 –  81.174).</p>

	
<h3>Friday, November 6, 2026 (3rd day after Election Day, 36th day before runoff election  day)</h3>
	
<!--<p>Last day to begin the <strong>Post-Election Hand Count Audit</strong> for entities using electronic voting systems for the  counting of ballots. This is the last day to <strong>begin</strong> manual recount of ballots in three precincts or one percent of precincts, whichever is greater. (Sec. 127.201(a), (g)). The count must be completed not later than the  21st day after election day. Results of the manual count must be delivered to the Secretary of State not later than the 3rd day after the manual count is completed. (Sec. 127.201(e)). The Post-Election Hand Count Audit does not need to be done of ballots cast on DRE voting machines, but the Post-Election Hand  Count Audit must be completed for mail ballots. (Sec. 127.201(g)). For more information, <em>see </em><a href="../forms/post-election-hand-count-guide.pdf">Post-Election Hand Count Audit Guide</a>. </p>-->

	
<p>The first possible day to conduct the official local canvass of returns by the governing authority of the political  subdivision. However, the canvass may not be conducted until the early voting ballot board has verified and counted all provisional ballots, if a provisional ballot has been cast in the election, <strong>AND</strong> counted all timely  received mailed domestic ballots cast from addresses within the United States, and all timely received mailed ballots cast from addresses outside the United  States. Secs. 67.003, 86.007). Notice of canvass must be posted at least 3 business days before the day the canvass is conducted. <a href="#November3"><em>See </em>Note </a>for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 1.012 provides that on the first day after the final canvass of an election is completed, the general custodian of election records shall make images of voted ballots and cast vote records available for public inspection. For information on the inspection of voted ballots, including ballot images and cast vote records, as well as guidelines on voter privacy, please <em>see</em> <a href="#Note23">Note 23</a>, <a href="advisory2024-05.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-05,</a> and <a href="advisory2024-20.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-20.</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> If a recount petition has been filed and a winning candidate&rsquo;s race is involved in the  recount, the certificate of election cannot be issued for that race until the recount has been completed. (Secs. 67.016, 212.0331).</p>

	
<p><strong>Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions</strong>: First day that newly elected local officers may qualify and assume the duties of their offices. Please note that the canvass must have been completed before an officer can assume office. (Sec. 67.016). If a political subdivision was able to <strong>cancel</strong> its  election, this is the first day its elected officials can take the oath of office and be issued a certificate of election. (Secs. 2.053(e), 67.003, 67.016). For information on who can administer an oath, please see Chapter 602  of the Government Code.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> This does not apply to officers of a Type A general law city, who cannot qualify until the  6th day after election day. <em>See </em>entry at <a href="#November9">Monday, November 9, 2026</a>.</p>

	
<h3><a name="November9" id="November9">Monday,  November 9, 2026 (6th day after Election Day, 33rd day before Runoff Election  Day) </a></h3>
	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> Last day a voter may come to the early voting clerk&rsquo;s office in person to correct certain defects on their carrier envelope. (Secs. 87.0271, 87.0411). <em>See </em><a href="#Note18">Note 18.</a></p>

	
<p>Last day to receive ballots from <strong>non-military and any military voters</strong> casting ballots from outside of the United States, who submitted an <strong>ABBM</strong> (not an FPCA) <strong>AND</strong> who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as evidenced by a postal service cancellation mark or a receipt mark  of a common or contract carrier or a courier (Secs. 86.007, 101.057, 101.001). A late overseas ballot sent by a voter who applied for a ballot using an ABBM (not an FPCA) <strong>cannot be counted</strong> if it does <strong>not</strong> bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark. The deadline is extended to the next regular business day, which is Monday, November 9, 2026, due to the 5th day falling on a Sunday. (Secs. 1.006, 86.007(d-1)).</p>

	
<p>Last day to receive ballots from <strong>non-military voters</strong> casting ballots from <strong>overseas</strong> who submitted a <strong>FPCA AND</strong> who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. (Sec. 86.007(d), (e)). The deadline is extended to the next regular business day, which is Monday, November 9, 2026, due to the 5th day falling on a Sunday. (Secs. 1.006, 86.007(d-1)).</p>

	
<p>Last day to receive carrier envelopes mailed  domestically (within the United States) OR overseas from voters who submitted  a <strong>FPCA AND</strong> who are <strong>members of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the armed forces, members of the merchant marines of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the merchant marine,</strong> members of the Texas National Guard, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Texas National Guard, a member of the National Guard of another state, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the National Guard of another state, or members of the Reserves, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Reserves. (Secs. 86.007,  101.057, 101.001).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE - The carrier envelope or, if applicable, the envelope containing the carrier envelope sent by the members  listed above who applied to vote by mail using the FPCA does NOT need to bear a cancellation or receipt mark in order to be counted.</strong></p>

	
<p>Deadline for ID-related provisional voter to  (1) present acceptable photo identification to county voter registrar; or (2)  if the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain acceptable photo  identification, follow the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the  county voter registrar; or (3) execute an affidavit relative to &ldquo;natural  disaster&rdquo; or &ldquo;religious objection&rdquo; in presence of county voter registrar, if  applicable; or (4) qualify for the disability exemption, if applicable, with  the county voter registrar. (Secs. 65.054, 65.0541).</p>

	
<p>First day that newly-elected officers of Type A general law city may qualify and assume duties of office (per Sec. 22.006,  Local Government Code), but see <strong>NOTE</strong>, below.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>If a Type A municipal officer-elect fails to qualify for office within 30 days after the date of the officer&rsquo;s election, the office is considered vacant. (Sec. 22.007, Local Government Code). <em>See </em>entry for  <a href="#December3">December 3, 2026</a>.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: Council members may take office anytime following the canvass</strong>. Section 22.006 of the Texas Local Government Code states that a newly-elected municipal officer of a Type A city may exercise the duties of office beginning the fifth day after the date of the election, excluding Sundays. However, <strong>no newly elected official may qualify for office before the official canvass of the election has been conducted</strong> (or would have been conducted, in the event of a cancelled election). Section 22.036 of the Texas Local Government Code further requires that the newly- elected governing body of the municipality &ldquo;meet at the usual meeting place and shall be installed.&rdquo;</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> If a recount petition has been filed, the certificate of election cannot be issued for that race until the recount has been completed. (Secs. 67.016, 212.0331).</p>

	
<h3><a name="November10" id="November10">Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (7th day after Election Day)</a></h3>
	
<p>Last day to post notice of governing  authority&rsquo;s meeting to canvass returns of election if canvass is to take place  on Monday, November 16, 2026 (13th day after election). (Sec. 67.003(b)). This notice must be posted <strong>at least three business</strong> days before the scheduled date of the meeting. (Secs. 551.002, 551.041, 551.043, Government Code). The notice of a meeting of a governmental body must be posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all times for at least three business  days.</p>

	
<p><strong>NEW LAW NOTE: HB 1522 (2025, R.S.)</strong>,  effective September 1, 2025, modifies notice requirements for meetings  conducted under the open-meetings law by changing the notice posting  requirement from a minimum of 72 hours to at least three business days before  the date of the scheduled meeting. (Sec. 551.043, Government Code).</p>

	
<h3>Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (8th day after Election Day) <a name="_Hlk229735514" id="_Hlk229735514">(Veterans Day)</a><br />
  <br />
</h3>
	
<h3>Friday, November 13, 2026 (10th day after Election Day, 29th day before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Deadline for voter registrar to complete the  review of provisional ballots. (Sec. 65.052; 1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.175).</p>

<p>The presiding judge of the early voting ballot board shall mail a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-22f.pdf">Notice of Rejected Ballot (PDF)</a> to  voters whose mail ballots were rejected no later than the 10th day after  election day or as soon as practicable, depending on when the early voting ballot board last convenes. (Sec. 87.0431).</p>

	
<h3>Monday, November 16, 2026 (13th day after Election Day, 26th day before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Deadline for each county's general custodian of election records to submit their ballot manifest for the statewide risk-limiting audit to the Secretary of State's Office for the November 3, 2026 election.  (Sec. 127.302)  </p>
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: Additional instructions on submitting the ballot manifest and for conducting the risk-limiting audit will be provided to counties before this deadline. </p>
<p>Deadline for custodian of election records or presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to retrieve provisional  ballots from county voter registrar. (Sec. 65.051(a)).</p>

	
<p><a name="_Hlk229736040" id="_Hlk229736040">Last day for <strong>early voting ballot board</strong> to convene to qualify and count the following ballots addressed below.</a></p>

	
<ol>
  <li>any late  <strong>domestic</strong> ballots  (from non-military and from any military voters who submitted an ABBM) that  bear a cancellation mark or receipt mark indicating they were placed for  delivery by mail or common or contract carrier not later than 7:00 p.m. on  election day, November 3, 2026, and were received not later than 5:00 p.m. on  the first business day after election day, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.  (Secs. 86.007(a), 87.125(a)).</li>
  <li>any late ballots that were submitted from  outside the United States by voters who applied for the ballot using an ABBM or  by non-military voters who applied for the ballot using an FPCA, and which were  received by Monday, November 9, 2026. (The deadline usually is the 5th day  after election day, but for this election is extended to the next regular business  day, which is Monday, November 9, 2026, due to the 5th day falling on a  Sunday.). (Secs. 1.006, 87.125(a), 86.007(d)).</li>
  <li>any ballots received by the 6th day after election day,  Monday, November 9, 2026, from voters who are members of the armed forces of  the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the armed  forces, members of the merchant marines of the United States, or the spouse or  a dependent of a member of the merchant marine, members of the Texas National  Guard, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Texas National Guard, a  member of the National Guard of another state, or the spouse or a dependent of  a member of the National Guard of another state, or members of the Reserves, or  the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Reserves, and who applied for a  ballot using an FPCA. (Secs. 101.057, 87.125(a)).</li>
  <li>any provisional ballots that have been reviewed by the voter registrar. (Sec. 65.051(a)).</li>
  <li>ballots contained in defective carrier envelopes corrected by voters. (Sec. 86.011(d)).</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Ballots  that do not qualify under 1-3 above should be treated as ballots not timely  returned and should not be delivered to the ballot board.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong> If the early voting ballot board needs to meet after this date, it will require a  court order to do so.</p>

	
<p>The  time the board reconvenes is set by the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board. (Secs. 86.007(d), 87.125).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 65.0581 provides that provisional voting records do not become public information until after the provisional  ballots and other voting records have been delivered back to the custodian of election records. (Sec. 65.0581).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The presiding judge of the early voting  ballot board shall mail a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/10-22f.pdf">Notice of Rejected Ballot (PDF)</a> to voters whose mail ballots were rejected no later than the 10th day after  election day or as soon as practicable, depending on when the early voting ballot board last convenes. (Sec. 87.0431).  </p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The presiding judge of the central counting station is required to provide and attest to a <a href="../forms/pol-sub/12-2f.pdf">written reconciliation (PDF)</a> of votes and voters at the close of tabulation for election day and again after the central counting station meets for the last time to process late-arriving ballots by mail and provisional ballots. (Sec. 127.131). <em>See </em><a href="#Note19">Note 19 on Reconciliation</a>. </p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 1.012 provides that on the first day after the final canvass of an election is completed, the general custodian of election records shall make images of voted ballots and cast vote records available for public inspection. For information on the inspection of voted ballots, including ballot images and cast vote  records, as well as guidelines on voter privacy, please <em>see</em> <a href="#Note23">Note 23</a>, <a href="advisory2024-05.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-05,</a> and <a href="advisory2024-20.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2024-20.</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> If a recount petition has been filed and a winning candidate&rsquo;s race is involved in the  recount, the certificate of election cannot be issued for that race until the recount has been completed. (Secs. 67.016, 212.0331).</p>

	
<p>Last day for the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to mail <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-9f.pdf">Notice of Outcome to Provisional Voter (PDF)</a> to provisional voters if the local canvass was held on Friday, November 6, 2026, the first day of the canvass period. These notices must be delivered to provisional voters by the presiding judge no later than the 10th day after the local canvass (Sec. 65.059; 1 T.A.C. § 81.176(e)).</p>

	
<h3>Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (14th day after Election Day, 25th day before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
<p><a name="_Hlk229736789" id="_Hlk229736789">Last day for official  canvass of returns by governing authority of political subdivision. (Sec. 67.003).</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> If a recount petition has been filed and a winning candidate&rsquo;s race is involved in the  recount, the certificate of election cannot be issued for that race until the recount has been completed. (Secs. 67.016, 212.0331).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Section 1.012 provides that on the first  day after the final canvass of an election is completed, the general custodian of election records shall make images of voted ballots and cast vote records  available for public inspection. For information on the inspection of voted ballots, including ballot images and cast vote records, as well as guidelines on voter privacy, please <em>see</em>  <a href="#Note23">Note 23</a>, <a href="advisory2024-05.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election  Advisory No. 2024-05,</a> and <a href="advisory2024-20.shtml">Tex. Sec&rsquo;y of State Election  Advisory No. 2024-20.</a></p>

	
<h3>Wednesday,  November 18, 2026 (15th day after Election Day, 24th day before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Election records from the November 3, 2026 election must be available in an electronic format no later than this day, for  a fee of not more than $50.00. (Sec. 1.012(e)).</p>
	
<h3>Thursday, November 19, 2026 (16th day after Election Day, 24th day before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
<p> Date that the statewide risk-limiting audit will be conducted.  (Sec. 127.302)  </p>
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Additional instructions on conducting the risk-limiting audit will be provided to counties before the risk-limiting audit is conducted. </p>
<h3><a name="_Hlk226208839" id="_Hlk226208839">Saturday, November 21, 2026 (18th day after Election Day, 21st day before Runoff Election  Day)</a></h3>
	
<p>First day that the Governor may conduct the  state canvass of the November General Election for state and county officers.  (Sec. 67.012).</p>

	
<h3><a name="_Hlk229737437" id="_Hlk229737437">Monday, November 23, 2026 (20th day after Election Day<strong>,  19th day before Runoff Election Day</strong>)</a></h3>
	
<p>Last day to begin the Post-Election Hand Count Audit for entities using electronic voting systems for the counting of ballots, if the Secretary of State certifies the completion of the statewide risk-limiting audit on Friday, November 20, 2026. (Sec. 127.201(b-2)).</p>
<p> <strong>NOTE:</strong> In an election in which a statewide risk-limiting audit is conducted, the post-election hand count audit must begin not later than the first business day after the Secretary of State has certified the completion of the risk-limiting audit.  The deadline to complete the post-   election hand count audit is extended to the 30th day after election day (Thursday, December 3, 2026) or the deadline established by the Secretary of State's Office, whichever is later.  Our office will update this entry and release specific guidance on this process, including the official deadline, when we provide our instructions on the post-election hand count audit after election day. </p>
<p>
  <strong>NOTE - NEW LAW: HB 3526 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective September 1, 2025, creates new  reporting requirements for local entities that order an election to authorize a local government to issue bonds. These reports must be sent to the  <a href="https://www.brb.texas.gov/">Texas Bond Review Board</a>. Not later than the 20th day after election  day for an election to authorize a local government to issue bonds, the local government shall send the Bond Review Board a report that includes:</p>

	
<ol>
  <li><a name="_Hlk230244443" id="_Hlk230244443">the total number of votes cast for each bond proposition;</a></li>
  <li>the total number of votes in support of each bond proposition;</li>
  <li>the total number of votes against each bond proposition;</li>
  <li>any updated information that is different from what was initially reported to the board; and</li>
  <li>any other information the board determines necessary.</li>
</ol>

<p>For more information on this requirement, please contact the  <a href="https://www.brb.texas.gov/">Texas Bond Review Board</a>.</p>

	
<!--<h3>Tuesday,  November 24, 2026 (21st day after Election Day, 18th day before Runoff Election  Day)</h3>
	
<p><strong>NEW LAW – NOTE: SB 827 (2025, R.S.):</strong> Last day to complete the post-election hand count audit. (Sec. 127.201(a)). Senate Bill 827 renamed the Partial Manual Count to the Post-Election Hand Count Audit, and modifies the procedures for conducting the count. The bill requires the hand count audit of early voting locations and election day locations to be conducted by polling location rather than by precinct. However, it still requires ballots by mail to be  counted by precinct.  </p>

	
<p>The hand count must be conducted in at least one percent of election day polling locations and early voting locations, or in three locations, whichever is greater. For ballots by mail, the count will be performed for at least one percent of the precincts in which a ballot by mail was cast, or in three precincts, whichever is greater.</p>

	
<p>Not later than the third day after the date the count is completed, the general custodian of election records shall deliver  a written report of the results of the count to the Secretary of State and post the results of the count on the county&rsquo;s website in the same location that the  county provides information on election returns and election results.</p>-->

	
<h3>Thursday,  November 26, 2026 (23rd day after Election Day, 16th day before Runoff Election  Day) (Thanksgiving Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
	
<h3>Friday,  November 27, 2026 (24th day after Election Day, 15th day before Runoff Election  Day) (Day after Thanksgiving Day)<br />
  <br />
</h3>
<h3>Monday, November  30, 2026 (27th day after Election Day; 13th day after last canvass, 12th day  before Runoff Election Day)</h3>
<p>Last day for the presiding judge of the early  voting ballot board to mail  <a href="../forms/pol-sub/9-9f.pdf">Notice  of Outcome to Provisional Voter (PDF)</a>  to  provisional voters, if the canvass was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Such  notices must be delivered to provisional voters by the presiding judge no later  than the 10th day after the local canvass. (Sec. 65.059; 1 T.A.C. § 81.176(e)).</p>

<p>This deadline is extended to the next regular  business day, which is Monday, November 30, 2026, due to the 10th day after  November 17, 2026 falling on the day after Thanksgiving Day, a legal holiday.  (Sec. 1.006).</p>


<h2>December</h2><br />

<h3><a name="December3" id="December3">Thursday,  December 3, 2026 (30th day after Election Day, 9th day before Runoff Election  Day)</a></h3>
<p><strong>NEW LAW – NOTE:</strong> SB 827 (2025, R.S.): Last day to complete the post-election hand count audit, unless the Secretary of State's Office establishes a later deadline. (Sec. 127.201(a)).</p>
<p> <strong>NOTE:</strong> In an election where a statewide risk-limiting audit (RLA) is conducted, the deadline to complete the post-election hand count audit is extended to the 30th day after election day or the deadline established by the Secretary of State's Office, whichever is later.  Our office will update this entry and release specific guidance on this process, including the official deadline, when we provide our instructions on the post-election hand count audit after election day.</p>
<p> Not later than the third day after the date the count is completed, the general custodian of election records shall deliver a written report of the results of the count to the Secretary of State and post the results of the count on the county’s website in the same location that the county provides information on election returns and election results. </p>
<p>Last day to file  <strong>electronic</strong> precinct-by-precinct  returns with the Secretary of State. (Sec. 67.017).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Local  political subdivisions no longer have to submit this information to the  Secretary of State.</p>

	
<p>If a Type A municipal officer-elect fails to  qualify for office within 30 days after the date of the officer&rsquo;s election, the  office is considered vacant. (Sec. 22.007, Local Government Code).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE  – NEW LAW: SB 2217 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective  September 1, 2025, requires the general custodian of election records for an  entity that uses an electronic pollbook system for an election to produce  certain reports from the pollbook system no later than the 30th day after  election day. Those reports must include a combination form report and a report  listing all the voters who were accepted to vote in the election, including the  voter&rsquo;s polling place and precinct. (Secs. 31.014, 63.0011, 65.057, 66.006, 125.0635,  127.1302, 127.133).</p>

	
<p>The custodian must prepare a report within 30  days after election day that describes all the information required to be  included on a combination form that combines any form used in connection with  the acceptance of voters at polling places with each other and to produce a  copy of the list of all voters who were accepted to vote, including a reference  to the voter&rsquo;s county election precinct and polling location where the voter  was accepted to vote.</p>

	
<p><strong>Post-Election  Reconciliation</strong>: Not later than the 30th day after election  day, the general custodian of election records shall prepare a reconciliation  of the total number of votes cast and the total number of voters accepted to  vote by personal appearance at each polling place in the custodian's county  during the early voting period and on election day respectively. The general  custodian of election records shall post the results of this reconciliation on  the county&rsquo;s website in the same location that the county provides information  on election results. (Sec. 66.005).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE  - NEW LAW: HB 521 (2025, R.S.)</strong>, effective  September 1, 2025, provides that not later than the 30th day after election  day, county election officers must forward to the Secretary of State&rsquo;s Office  (1) the name and address of the person assisting the voter; (2) the  relationship to the voter of the person assisting the voter; and (3) whether  the person assisting the voter received or accepted any form of compensation or  other benefit from a candidate, campaign, or political committee of any  individual who assisted a total of seven or more voters during the early voting  period and on election day combined.</p>

	
<p>Last day for the general custodian of  election records to electronically submit to the Secretary of State the record  of each voter participating in the election. (Sec. 18.069).</p>

	
<h3>Monday,  December 7, 2026 (34th day after Election Day, 5th day before Runoff Election  Day)</h3>
<p>Last day for the Governor to conduct the  state canvass for the November General Election for state and county officers.  Since the actual deadline (the 33rd day) falls on a Sunday, the deadline is  moved to the next business day. (Secs. 1.006, 67.012).</p>

	
<h3>Sunday, December  13, 2026 (40th day after Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>Last day of the period for mandatory office  hours.  <em>See  </em><a href="#September14">entry</a>  for  Monday, September 14, 2026. (Sec. 31.122).</p>


	
<h2>2027</h2>
	
<h2>January</h2>
	
<h3>Friday,  January 1, 2027 (1st day after the end of the calendar year in which the  election was held)(New Year&rsquo;s Day)</h3>
	
<p>First day that surveillance video of areas  containing voted ballots from the November 3, 2026 election may be destroyed <strong>IF</strong> there is no unresolved election  contest.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE</strong> - Section  127.1232 provides that in counties with a population of 100,000 or more (or  political subdivisions contracting with a county with a population of 100,000  or more), the general custodian of election records shall implement a video  surveillance system that retains a record of all areas containing voted  ballots: (1) from the time the voted ballots are delivered to the central  counting station until the canvass of the precinct election returns; and (2)  from the time the voted ballots are delivered to the signature verification  committee or early voting ballot board until the canvass of precinct election  returns. Video from the surveillance system shall be made available to the  public by live stream. The recorded video is considered an election record and  shall be retained by the general custodian until the end of the calendar year  in which an election is held or until an election contest filed in the county  has been resolved, whichever is later. (Sec. 127.1232).  <em>See  </em><a href="advisory2022-10.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2022-10.</a></p>

	
<h3>Sunday, January  3, 2027 (61st day after Election Day, 22nd day after Runoff Election Day)</h3>
	
<p>First day that contents of ballot box(es) may  be transferred from locked ballot box to separate container for the remainder  of the preservation period. (Sec. 66.058(b)).</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE -</strong> Section 1.012 provides that, on the 61st  day after election day, the general custodian of election records shall make  the original voted ballots available for public inspection.</p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE -</strong> Our  office recommends that the county elections office work closely with its county  attorney and its public information division in ensuring that records have been  properly redacted before being made publicly available. Please direct any  questions about the procedures for responding to a public information request,  including the timeframes for such responses, to the Office of the Attorney  General via its Open Government Hotline, (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839).  <em>See  </em><a href="#Note23">Note 23.</a></p>

	
<p><strong>NOTE -</strong> For  guidance on retention of electronic voting system media, please <em>see</em>  <a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex.  Sec&rsquo;y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a>.</p>

	
<h3><a name="_bookmark40" id="_bookmark40"></a>Monday,  January 11, 2027 (69th day after Election Day, 30th day after Runoff Election  Day)</h3>
	
<p>If a Type A municipal officer-elect fails to  qualify for office within 30 days after the date of the officer&rsquo;s election, the  office is considered vacant. (Sec. 22.007, Local Government Code).</p>

	
<h2>2028</h2>
	
<h3>Monday,  September 4, 2028 (day after 22 months after November 3, 2026 Election Day)</h3>
<p>Contents of ballot box(es) may be  destroyed  <strong>IF</strong> no contest or criminal investigation has arisen  (Secs. 1.013, 66.058), and  <strong>IF</strong> no open records request has been  filed (<a href="https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/opinions/openrecords/47mattox/ord/1988/htm/ord19880505.txt">Tex. Att&rsquo;y Gen. ORD-505 (1988)</a>). </p>

	
<p><strong>Note:  <u>All</u></strong>  election  records must be preserved for 22 months from election day, even when there is  no federal office on the ballot. (Sec. 66.058).</p>

	
<h3>Notable  Exceptions:</h3>
	
<p><strong>Permanent Records</strong>:  Election results must be permanently maintained in the election register. (Sec.  67.006).</p>

	
<p><strong>Note: Electronic Voting Systems</strong>:  <em>See  </em><a href="advisory2019-23.shtml">Tex.  Sec'y of State Election Advisory No. 2019-23</a>  for  preservation procedures for electronic voting systems.</p>

	
<h3>Saturday, November  4, 2028 (day after Two Years after November 3, 2026 Election Day)</h3>
	
<p><a name="_Hlk230164970" id="_Hlk230164970"><strong>Note:  Retention of Voter Registration List:</strong></a> County voter registrar must  maintain a <strong>copy</strong> of each voter list prepared for each countywide election  for <strong>two</strong> years after election day. (Sec. 18.011).</p>

	
<p><strong>Note: Retention of Candidate Applications</strong>:  Candidate applications must be retained by the governing body for  <strong>two</strong> years  after date of election. (Sec. 141.036).</p>


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