Voters Explore Sample Ballot 2026 Options as Midterm Polls Open

Overview of the 2026 Midterm Election

Voters across North Texas are casting their votes on Tuesday, November 3, reviewing a comprehensive sample ballot 2026 featuring hundreds of unique contests. Polling places remain open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., allowing any voter in line by the 7 p.m. cutoff time to participate.

Residents reviewing their local paperwork will encounter nearly 500 distinct races. These range from high-profile federal and state legislative positions down to local municipal, school board, and county administrative positions, alongside various community propositions and bonds.

Federal and State Contests to Watch

At the statewide level, Texas voters are deciding between Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race. Additional statewide positions on the ballot include seats for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, and agricultural offices.

For readers seeking additional context on current election schedules, What Time Do Polls Open on Election Day for Midterms provides helpful background.

Voter Guidelines and Identification Rules

Individuals heading out to cast their ballots do not need to bring a physical voter registration card, provided they are officially registered and meet all eligibility requirements. However, voters must present an approved form of photo identification.

Accepted credentials include a Texas Driver License, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas Personal Identification Card, Texas Handgun License, U.S. Military Identification Card, U.S. Citizenship Certificate, or a U.S. Passport. State regulations strictly prohibit wireless communication devices and the recording of images or sound inside designated voting rooms and within 100 feet of voting stations.

Turnout Trends Across Counties

Early voting data highlights a notable increase in participation across multiple counties compared to the 2022 midterm cycle. Collin County saw totals climb 48% to 374,263, Dallas County grew 55% to reach 607,834, Denton County increased 46% to 319,080, and Tarrant County experienced a 47% rise with 571,950 early votes recorded.

Sources: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Yahoo, CBS News.