Texas voters: Monday, October 5 is the last day to register for the 2026 US midterm elections, and mail applications must be postmarked by that day

Election deadlines can be significant for anyone planning to participate in the voting process. In Texas, voters preparing for the November 3 general election have until Monday, October 5 to register or make specific changes to their voter details.

The October 5 deadline applies to registration for races that includes Texas governor, U.S. senator and over a dozen statewide elected offices. Texas is among the states that set its registration deadline 30 days before an election.

Check Your Registration Before the Deadline

Texas voters can use the Texas Secretary of State’s website to determine whether they are registered and confirm that their details are accurate.


October 5 is also the deadline for submitting a name or address change for the election.

Voters who have moved since they last voted should update their address, especially if the move positioned them in another county or political district. Those who have legally changed their name should update that details as well.

Who Can Register in Texas?

U.S. citizens living in Texas can register if they are at least 18 years old or will reach 18 by Election Day.

The supplied eligibility details state that people cannot register if they have been convicted of a felony and are still serving a sentence that includes parole or probation. Registration is also restricted for individuals who have been deemed mentally incapacitated in court.

More comprehended eligibility information is available via Texas Secretary of State.

Individuals experiencing homelessness who meet the eligibility requirements can also register. They can offer an address and a description of where they are staying, such as a shelter or a street intersection.

A mailing address may be different from the residence details, although a P.O. Box is generally not regarded as a residence address in Texas.

Students from other states who are studying in Texas can opt to register in Texas. They may use their dormitory or other Texas address.

How to Submit a Registration Application

In most cases, voters must complete and submit a paper registration application by October 5.

Forms can be received from county voter registrars as well as specific post offices, government offices and high schools. Voters can also print an application online and send it to their county voter registrar.

Those who request a postage-paid application by mail should enable enough time for it to arrive before the deadline.

Mail Applications Must Be Postmarked by October 5

Voter registration applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by October 5.

Voters who want to avoid possible delays with a postmark can request one at their local post office, especially when submitting mail that has been picked up from a mailbox.

DPS Registration Applications

Election officials recently found a backlog involving voter registration applications submitted via the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office said affected voters can cast provisional ballots that will be counted as long as their applications were submitted by the October 5 deadline.

What Happens After You Register?

After completing the registration procedures, voters will get a voter registration certificate within 30 days.

The certificate includes voter details and a Voter Unique Identifier, which may be required when making certain registration updates online.

Voters should review the certificate when it arrives. If details are incorrect, they should mark the required corrections and return the certificate to their local voter registrar as soon as possible.

Also Read: US midterm elections 2026: How to vote and all details about the polling

The October 5 Deadline

For Texans planning to participate in the November 3 general election, October 5 is the key voter registration deadline. The same date applies to voters who are required to update their name or address.

Those submitting applications by mail should make sure the application is postmarked by October 5, while voters who prefer to submit their forms in person have choices through county election officials and other authorized registration channels.

Checking registration details before the deadline can help voters ensure that their records has the correct information ahead of the election.

Source: The Texas Tribune