Texas voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026 midterm elections. Polling places across the state will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time, giving registered voters 12 hours to cast their ballots. However, the closing time in Eastern Time depends on where voters live: most of Texas will finish voting at 8 p.m. ET, while El Paso and Hudspeth counties will close at 9 p.m. ET.
The Texas Secretary of State has confirmed the statewide Election Day schedule. Voters should check their assigned polling location before leaving home because Election Day voting rules vary by county. Texas Secretary of State.
What time do polls open and close in Texas on November 3?
Polls in Texas open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These hours apply statewide and follow Section 41.031 of the Texas Election Code.
The state has two time zones, so the corresponding closing time in Eastern Time varies by county:
| Texas Location | Polls open | Polls close | Closing Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most of Texas (Central Time) | 7 a.m. | 7 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
| El Paso and Hudspeth counties (Mountain Time) | 7 a.m. | 7 p.m. | 9 p.m. |
Voters in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and most other Texas communities follow Central Time. Residents of El Paso and Hudspeth counties follow Mountain Time. Therefore, their polling places close one hour later when viewed from the Eastern Time Zone. Texas Secretary of State.
Can you still vote in Texas if you are in line at 7 p.m.?
Yes. Texas law allows voters who are inside the polling place or waiting to enter when the polls close at 7 p.m. to cast their ballots.
Under Section 41.032 of the Texas Election Code, election officials must allow eligible voters who were already in line at closing time to enter and vote. If necessary, officials may distribute numbered identification cards to people waiting to ensure that only those in line before the deadline can enter after 7 p.m.
Voters should arrive before closing time and remain in line if they have not yet cast their ballots. Texas Election Code, Chapter 41.
Where can you find your polling place in Texas?
Texas voters can use the official VoteTexas.gov polling-place lookup to check their registration information and find their Election Day voting location.
The location rules depend on the county:
- Counties participating in the Countywide Polling Place Program: Registered voters can cast their ballots at any authorized Election Day voting center in their county.
- Counties that do not participate in the program: Voters must go to the polling place assigned to their voting precinct.
The Texas Secretary of State recommends confirming the location before heading out. A polling place used during an earlier election may not necessarily be the correct site for November 3. VoteTexas.gov.
What ID do you need to vote in Texas?
Texas requires voters casting ballots in person to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification. These include:
- Texas driver’s license issued by the Department of Public Safety.
- Texas Election Identification Certificate.
- Texas personal identification card.
- Texas handgun license.
- U.S. military identification card with a photograph.
- U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph.
- U.S. passport or passport card.
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these photo IDs may still be able to vote. They can present an approved supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check or voter registration certificate, and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place.
The rules also address expired identification: voters ages 18 to 69 may generally use an approved photo ID that expired no more than four years before Election Day. Voters 70 and older may use an otherwise valid approved ID regardless of its expiration date. VoteTexas.gov: Voter ID requirements.
Frequently asked questions about Texas polling hours
Are polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across all of Texas?
Yes. Polling places statewide are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time on November 3, 2026. The difference is the time zone: most of Texas follows Central Time, while El Paso and Hudspeth counties follow Mountain Time.
What time do polls close in Texas in Eastern Time?
Most Texas polling places close at 8 p.m. ET. Polls in El Paso and Hudspeth counties close at 9 p.m. ET.
Can I vote after 7 p.m. if I am already in line?
Yes. Texas law protects voters who are inside the polling place or waiting to enter when voting ends at 7 p.m. local time. Election officials must allow those voters to cast their ballots.
Where can I check my Texas polling location?
Use the official VoteTexas.gov polling-place lookup to find your Election Day voting site. You can also contact your county election office.
Do I need a Texas driver’s license to vote?
No. A Texas driver’s license is one of seven accepted forms of photo identification, but voters can also present an approved Texas ID card, passport, military ID or another qualifying document. Eligible voters without an approved photo ID may follow the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure.
