September 15 marks National Voter Registration Day, a significant occasion aimed at enhancing voter participation in the upcoming elections. This nationwide initiative serves to inform and prepare citizens for the November general election, with numerous organizations joining forces to assist individuals in registering to vote.
This day stands as the largest nonpartisan voter registration effort in the country, engaging over 2,000 community partners across all states. These organizations will help prospective voters check their registration status, update their information, and register for the first time. Libraries, colleges, election offices, businesses, and community groups are all participating in this vital event.
The ballot for the General and Special Elections on November 3 will feature contests for various federal, state, and local offices, making voter participation crucial.
Eligibility for Voter Registration
To be eligible to vote in Harris County, individuals must register at least 30 days before the election. Additionally, a signed application is necessary for any changes to name or address.
Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and not having been declared mentally incapacitated by a court ruling. A person must also not have been finally convicted of a felony unless they have completed their sentence, including any parole, probation, or have been pardoned.
Individuals who are at least 17 years and 10 months old may apply for registration, provided they meet all other criteria.
If you’re uncertain about your voter registration status, you can verify it by visiting VoteTexas.gov and selecting the “Am I Registered?” option.
Voting Preparations in Harris County
The Harris County Clerk’s Office will conduct Logic and Accuracy testing on September 15 as part of the preparations for the November elections. This testing, mandated by state law, ensures that the county’s electronic voting systems accurately record and count ballots. Representatives from both the Harris County Republican and Democratic Parties will be involved in this essential process.
Early Voting and Election Day
Early voting will take place from October 19 to October 30, with specific hours for each day:
- Mon., Oct. 19 – Sat., Oct. 24 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Sun., Oct. 25 (12 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Mon., Oct. 26 – Fri., Oct. 30 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Election Day will be held on Tuesday, November 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Identification Requirements for Voting
In Texas, voters must present a form of photo identification to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- Texas Driver’s License
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas Personal Identification Card
- Texas Handgun License
- U.S. Military ID
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate
- U.S. Passport
For those who do not possess an ID, VoteTexas.gov provides a list of alternative forms of identification that can be used to verify identity when voting.
Voting by Mail
Applications for mail-in voting must be received by Friday, October 23. Voters eligible to vote by mail include:
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- People who are sick or disabled
- Those who will be out of the county during the voting period
- Individuals expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
- Voters who are in jail but eligible to vote
Harris County will have over 70 early voting centers and more than 600 voting locations on Election Day. The countywide sample ballot will be accessible online at www.HarrisVotes.com after September 18.
Key Dates for the 2026 Election
Voters should be aware of the following important dates related to the 2026 elections:
- Last day to register to vote: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Early voting: October 19 – October 30, 2026
- Last day to apply for mail-in ballot: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Deadline to receive mail-in ballots: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by 7 p.m. or Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by 5 p.m. if postmarked by Election Day
