HomeElection Dates and Checklist

March 3, 2026, Primary Election

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

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

Part 1: Is Your Voter Registration Active?

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

Existing Voters

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

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

New Voters or Voters New to Dallas County

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

New voter registration must be postmarked and/or voter status “active” before Monday, February 2, 2026

Part 2: Got Photo ID?

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

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

Ballot by Mail

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

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

Please see Dallas County Election Office for dates and locations.

STEP 1: Submit an Application Last day for eligible voters to submit an Application for Ballot By Mail for this election. (Received)	The first day for the Elections Office to receive an Application for Ballot By Mail for all 2025 elections is January 1, 2026. Last day: Friday, February 20, 2026, (Received, not Postmarked)
STEP 2A: Send the completed ballot via US postal service, common carrier (Fed Ex, UPS) or a courier service to Dallas County Elections so that it ARRIVES by	Tuesday, March 3, 2026, (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked. OR Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply) *LWV-Dallas does not recommend mailing your ballot via U.S. Mail within 5 days of election day.
STEP 2B: Submit the completed ballot in person and with photo id at Dallas County Elections by	7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, (Election Day)

Note: If you submitted your “Application for Ballot by Mail” form earlier in the calendar year, you may call the Dallas County Elections to confirm that you are on the list to receive a ballot by mail for the upcoming election.

Note: If you have any questions about your application for Ballot by Mail, please email your questions to the Dallas County Elections Department at: evapplications@dallascounty.org .

The Ballot by Mail Tracker at https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/BallotTrackerApp option for you and questions are expected.

In Person at the Polls

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

Early Voting	Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Friday, February 27, 2026	Early Voting Information
Election Day	Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7 AM - 7 PM	Election Day Information

Source: Secretary of State Texas and Dallas County Elections Office

Part 4: Research Your Ballot before You Vote.

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

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

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

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

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