From Texastribune · · 1m 50s
Texas election laws for 2026 midterms
Texas voters must show photo ID at polls ahead of 2026 midterms.
In brief
Texas voters must show photo ID at polls ahead of 2026 midterms. Texas voters need photo ID to vote in 2026 midterms after 2011 law requiring it. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Texas voter ID requirements
Texas voters must show one of seven forms of photo identification at polling places.
Voter ID law history
In 2011, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill requiring photo ID but federal courts blocked enforcement.
Additional ID forms
The Legislature added more ID forms in 2017 after federal appeals court overruled a district judge.
Current ID options
Texas voters can use driver license, election ID certificate, personal ID card, handgun license, military ID, citizenship certificate, or passport.
Alternative voting options
Voters without approved ID can cast Election Day ballots with other documents or a reasonable impediment declaration.
Mail-in voting rules
Voters must include an ID number on mail-in ballots and applications to match voter registration forms.
Mail-in ballot rejections
Over 18,000 mail-in ballots were rejected in 2022 March primary for failing to provide matching ID numbers.
Straight-ticket voting change
Texas no longer allows straight-ticket voting since 2020, encouraging voters to choose individual candidates.
Voting assistance rules
Voters with disabilities can have assistance from a person of their choice without proof of disability.
Curbside voting
Polling sites must provide curbside voting for people with disabilities with a button or phone number.
Mail-in ballot applications
Voters must request mail-in ballot applications directly from election officials, not receive unsolicited ones.
Online voter registration
Texas is one of seven states without online voter registration, with a bill dying in 2025.
Voter registration process
Most Texans fill out paper registration forms, with online options only for license renewals.
What matters most
Texas voters need photo ID to vote in 2026 midterms after 2011 law requiring it.
