Houston Voter Guide
Everything you need to vote in Federal, Texas, Harris County & Houston elections
🚀 First Time Voter? Start Here
Follow these four simple steps to cast your vote with confidence
Check Eligibility
- ✓ U.S. citizen
- ✓ Texas resident
- ✓ 18 years old by election day
- ✓ Not a convicted felon (unless rights restored)
Register to Vote
Complete online at vote.gov or download paper form. Must be postmarked 30 days before election.
Register Now →Gather Your ID
Texas requires photo ID:
- • TX Driver's License
- • TX ID Card
- • U.S. Passport
- • Military ID
Vote!
Find your polling location and cast your ballot during early voting or on election day.
Find Polling Places →🗓️ Critical Dates & Deadlines
Mark your calendar! These are the most important dates for Texas voters.
Must be postmarked by this date
Applications must be received (not postmarked)
Vote at ANY Harris County polling location
Polls open 7 AM - 7 PM
Must be received by this time
🏛️ Official Resources
Always verify information with official government sources
Federal (U.S.) Resources
Accessibility Resources
eac.gov/voting-accessibility →Election Assistance Commission - accessible voting
State of Texas
Harris County
Polling Locations & Sample Ballots
View Upcoming Elections →Find your polling place and see what's on your ballot
Vote by Mail (Harris County)
harrisvotes.com/Vote-by-Mail →Application and information for Harris County
City of Houston
✅ How to Vote
Voting in Person on Election Day
Texas requires one of seven approved photo IDs. If you don't have one, you can sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
On election day, you must vote at your designated polling location. Find yours at harrisvotes.com
If you're in line by 7 PM, you can vote even if it takes longer.
Poll workers will verify your registration and provide your ballot.
Take your time. You can bring notes or a sample ballot for reference.
Follow instructions to cast your vote. You'll receive confirmation.
Voting by Mail in Texas
Review eligibility at votetexas.gov/voting-by-mail
Application must be received by Harris County Elections 11 days before election.
Follow all instructions carefully. Sign in required locations.
Must be received (not postmarked) by 7 PM on election day. Consider mailing early or dropping off in person.
Early Voting
Early voting typically runs for 2 weeks before election day (Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2025)
Choose the most convenient location - you're not limited to your precinct!
Many locations have extended hours, including weekends. Check harrisvotes.com for specific times.
Bring your photo ID just like election day voting.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
If you moved within Harris County, update your registration at least 30 days before the election. If you moved from another county or state, you need to register in Harris County.
Update Registration →Update your voter registration with your new name at least 30 days before the election. You'll need to provide documentation of the name change.
Update Registration →In Texas, you can vote if you've completed your sentence, including parole and probation. You are eligible to vote immediately after completing your full sentence.
Check Eligibility →You can sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and provide supporting documentation like a utility bill, bank statement, or government document with your name and address.
Learn More →If you're in line by 7 PM on election day, you have the right to vote even if it takes until after 7 PM to reach the front of the line. Stay in line!
Yes! You can bring notes, a sample ballot, or refer to your phone while voting. Just don't take photos of your ballot or use your phone to communicate with others.
Tell a poll worker immediately. You have the right to request a new ballot. Don't try to erase or cross out - get a fresh ballot instead.
You can choose! Register at your college address if you consider it your primary residence, or at your parents' address. You cannot be registered in both places.
Harris County provides bilingual election workers, accessible voting equipment, and curbside voting. Contact Harris County Elections in advance to arrange specific accommodations.
Contact Elections Office →