The May 28 primary runoffs are just around the corner, and it’s time to make your voice heard. This guide will help you navigate everything you need to know for the big day, from key races to how and where to vote.
Key races
The most significant for the state are the Texas House races, where Gov. Greg Abbott is targeting those who opposed his school voucher proposal and Attorney General Ken Paxton is targeting those who voted to impeach him.
Eight incumbents were forced into runoffs, with only Reps. Stephanie Klick and Gary VanDeaver finished first in their primaries, leaving the other incumbents in a tough spot. According to TX Elects, no incumbent lawmaker who finished second in their primary has won a runoff since 1992.
One of the most anticipated races is in District 21, where House Speaker Dade Phelan faces David Covey. Both candidates have received a significant amount of money from donors. According to AdImpact, the race is already the most expensive Texas House race in state history, with a total of $6.9 million spent on advertising on both sides.
If you want to learn more about the key races in the Texas House, check our story about the eight Republican incumbents forced into runoffs.
There are also some runoffs for seats in the Texas Senate, the Texas State Board of Education and the U.S. House of Representatives.
On Election Day
Remember, Election Day is May 28, 2024. Polls are open from 7am to 7pm. You should check to see which polling places are open in your area. Things can vary from county to county, so be sure to check your polling location on your county’s website.
If you voted in the March primary, you can only vote in the same party runoff. If you didn’t vote in the March primary, you can choose whether to vote in the Republican or Democratic runoff.
You must be registered to vote. You can check if you’re registered to vote and verify your information on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
What to bring
To vote, you should bring one of the following valid photo IDs.
- Texas driver license
- Texas election ID certificate
- Texas personal ID card
- Texas handgun license
- U.S. citizenship certificate with photo
- U.S. military ID card
- U.S. passport
If you have an ID but forgot to bring it to the polls, you can cast a provisional ballot, but you must visit the local voter registrar’s office within six days of the election to present your ID.
Early voting
Early voting began last monday, and it will end on May 24. Everyone who is registered to vote can vote earlier, and you must do it in person.
To check your county’s early-voting locations check their official election office’s website.
Voting by mail
If you’re reading this article, you can’t apply for an absentee ballot because the deadline was May 17. But if you have already requested an absentee ballot, the deadline is Election Day. Even if your ballot is postmarked by 7 p.m. locally, it will be counted if the county receives it by 5 p.m. on May 29.
How do I know my ballot has been received?
You can verify that your ballot has been received at txballot.org, though mailed ballots may take a few days to show up on the website.
Remember, your vote matters! Let’s make a difference in the Texas primary runoffs on May 28, 2024. See you at the polls!
