Texas voters headed to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to cast ballots in a high-stakes midterm election featuring contests for governor, the U.S. Senate, and several key local propositions.
High Turnout and Steady Flow Reported Across Central Texas Precincts
Statewide polling locations opened at 7 a.m. and remained accessible until 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that anyone standing in line by the 7 p.m. closing deadline would be permitted to vote, regardless of how long the process took.
In Bell County, election administrators reported steady participation throughout the day. By the half-way mark, nearly 12,500 residents had checked in across the county’s 42 voting sites. That figure climbed past 15,400 voters by 2:30 p.m., pushing total in-person turnout past the 95,400 mark.
Election Day is here! 🗳️ Today is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Before you head to the polls, make sure you have the information you need to make your voting plan. Visit https://t.co/xjWqMSrz3s for voting information and resources. pic.twitter.com/wlqkk8nrcx
Road signage near Site #28 on the Temple College campus caused confusion for some voters. Marvin R Felder Drive. Local road signs near the intersection of SW H K Dodgen Loop and Veterans Memorial Drive suggested Veterans Memorial Drive was entirely closed. Officials clarified that the closure applied solely to through-traffic and that vehicles could still enter the campus to reach the polling station.
Corpus Christi also saw heavy engagement. Election workers at Grant Middle School reported just over 200 voters by 1 p.m., noting that the volume exceeded typical turnout in previous cycles. Voters in Corpus Christi weighed in on local measures, including a referendum to continue a sales tax funding the city’s police department.
The morning brought an unexpected disruption at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center polling site in Corpus Christi. Robert Rocha, a candidate for the Corpus Christi City Council District 3 seat, was struck by a falling wooden campaign sign. An ambulance crew evaluated Rocha at the scene, and he was cleared by EMS.
Department of Justice Monitors Deployed Nationwide and Across Texas
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Justice deployed election monitors across all 50 states on Tuesday to observe proceedings, safeguard voting rights, and support fair access. In Texas, federal monitors were assigned to monitor polling places in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Waller, Blanco, Bowie, and Nueces counties.
Data regarding election results across urban, suburban, exurban, rural, and border counties is being aggregated by The Texas Tribune using information provided by The Associated Press, which gathers tallies from the Texas Secretary of State, county offices, and field stringers.
Mail-In Ballot Deadlines and Next Steps
While in-person voting concluded Tuesday evening, the outcome in tight races may take time to finalize as mail-in ballots are processed. Domestic mail-in ballots postmarked by election day will be counted if they arrive by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Meanwhile, military and overseas ballots must carry a postmark of November 3 and arrive no later than Monday, November 9, 2026, to be included in the final certified results.
