Voting Made Simple • November 3, 2026

Vote in Person:
What to Expect

Voting should be straightforward, not stressful. This guide walks you through what to expect at your polling place so you show up ready and confident.

Midterms Matter is nonpartisan.

We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

The process

step by step

Step 1

Bring the Correct ID

Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:

  • Texas Driver's License
  • Texas Personal ID Card
  • U.S. Military ID Card (with photo)
  • U.S. Passport (book or card)
  • Texas Election Identification Certificate
  • Texas Handgun License
  • U.S. Citizenship Certificate (with photo)

Step 2

Stay in Line at Closing Time

If you are in line by 7:00 PM when the polls close, you are legally allowed to vote.
Do not leave the line until you have cast your ballot. Poll workers are required to let everyone in line vote.

Step 3

Fix a Mistake Before You Submit

Made a mistake? No problem. Before you cast your ballot, ask a poll worker for a new one so you can correct it.

Step 4

Ask for a Paper Option if Machines Are Down

If voting machines are not working, you can ask for a paper ballot. Poll workers can help you understand your options.

Step 5

Get Disability Accommodations if You Need Them

You cannot be turned away because of a disability, including an intellectual or mental health disability.  You are not required to provide proof of your disability.

You are legally allowed:

  • Accessible polling place. Polling places must meet ADA requirements
  • Every polling location in Texas is required to provide curbside voting as an option
  • At least one accessible voting option that allows you to vote privately and independently

You can ask poll workers for reasonable accomModations such as:

  • A chair or a place to rest
  • A quieter place to wait
  • Help with a pathway if not accessible
  • Assistance to call the hotline to report the barrier
SEE HOW CURBSIDE VOTING WORKS

You can vote curbside if you need the accommodation for a disability, or if you are unable to get into the polling location without help or if doing so risks your health.

  1. Park in the space marked CURBSIDE VOTING.
  2. Call or text the number on the sign or press the button.
  3. Sign a short form to confirm your eligibility.
  4. Show your photo ID and a poll worker will bring a ballot to your vehicle.

Curbside voting takes longer than voting inside, so plan to arrive early.

Do I need to call ahead?

If you're going alone, call your county elections office first. They’ll alert your polling location that you’re on your way. Find their number here.

Can my driver vote curbside too?

Yes, and they don't need to sign the form. Anyone who drives 7+ curbside voters during early voting and on Election Day combined must sign a separate state form.

Step 6

Bring a Helper or Use Language Support

ANYONE CAN BRING A HELPER TO VOTE

If you need help because of a disability, or because you have difficulty reading or writing English, you can get in-person help from someone you trust.

  • You may bring a family member, friend, or any other person you choose
  • Your helper cannot be your employer (or your employer's agent) or a union officer or agent
  • Your helper may be asked to take an oath or fill out a form indicating they will not influence your vote
  • Your helper is also allowed to vote at the same time – whether in person or curbside.

Language support

  • All counties are required to provide bilingual assistance for Spanish.  Some counties offer other languages. Check your county website to confirm additional languages.
  • In covered counties, you can request oral assistance from a bilingual poll worker and ask for voting materials in that language

Step 7

Use a Provisional Ballot if There Is a Registration Issue

Sometimes a registration issue comes up.  If it happens, here are your options:

  • Ask the poll worker to double-check and spell your name
  • Confirm you are at the correct polling location. Ask your poll worker for assistance to find the correct location
  • If it still unresolved, ask for a provisional ballot
What is a provisional ballot? 

A provisional ballot allows you to vote, even if your registration is in question. After Election Day, officials investigate whether you were eligible and registered. If you were, your vote is counted.

Need Help at the Polls?

If you have a question, run into an issue, or just want guidance, call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline. Trained volunteers can help you understand your options and what to do next.

english
1-866-OUR-VOTE
1-866-687-8683
spanish
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA
1-888-839-8682
arabic
1-844-YALLA-US
1-844-925-5287
asian Languages
1-888-274-8683

Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese