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Bearcats Vote: Area voting information

What to expect on Election Day - March 3, 2026

What is a Primary Election?
It is March 3, 2026, and residents of Texas are casting their ballot in the state’s primary election. Primaries are how the Republican and Democratic Parties choose which candidates make it to the general election in November, and each state handles primaries differently.

Texas is 1 of 16 states that has an open primary - meaning that anyone can cast a ballot for a political party’s primary despite prior party affiliation. For example, in 2022 you could cast a ballot for the Republican Party’s primary and in 2024 change affiliation and cast a ballot for the Democratic Party’s primary.

Keep in mind, once you affiliate with a party, you cannot change party affiliation throughout the rest of the calendar year. Locked-in party affiliation prevents individuals from voting in both political primaries or switching parties during primary runoff elections.

During the general election in November, party affiliation no longer matters. Your ballot will not be limited to the candidate or political party you chose for the primary election. 

Check out more information on elections below!

  • Last day to register to vote: February 2, 2026
  • First day of early voting: February 17, 2026
  • Last day of early voting: February 27, 2026
  • Election Day: March 3, 2026

Election FAQs

Parker and Tarrant Counties Voting Information