El Paso Matters – Election 2026 Voter Guide: Everything you need to know about the Nov. 3 general elections in El Paso

Overview: Nov. 3 midterm general elections

Starting Oct. 19, El Paso voters can cast their ballots in a slew of local, state and federal races and school propositions that will shape our future for years to come. 

On the federal level for El Paso County voters, one of the two Texas seats in the U.S. Senate is up for election, as are congressional seats for Districts 16 and 23. 

Key statewide races include governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Other statewide seats on the ballot include  land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and comptroller, as well as judicial seats. 

The El Paso state representative seats – three of them contested – are on the ballot.

At the county level, contested partisan races include the county judge and two county commissioner seats and two district court judge seats. 

A slew of uncontested judgeships and justice of the peace positions are also on the ballot.

The ballot will also include nonpartisan choices for four El Paso city representative seats.

Several school districts are holding nonpartisan trustee elections, including the Canutillo Independent School District with four at-large seats on the ballot.

Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Nov. 3.

How do I register to vote?
The registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 5.

To register to vote in Texas, you must be a citizen of the United States and be 18 years old by Election Day. You can print a postage-paid application from the El Paso County Elections Department or pick one up in-person at the county courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Ave. Suite 315. 

Applications can also be found at public libraries and post offices. Click here for more information.

How do I check if I’m registered to vote?
Check your registration status with the El Paso County Elections Department or the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. 

What’s the difference between partisan and nonpartisan elections?
In a partisan election, candidates run with a political party affiliation, such as Democrat or Republican.

In a nonpartisan election, candidates’ party affiliations are not listed on the ballot.

Nonpartisan does not necessarily mean the candidates have no political party affiliation or endorsements — it means the election itself does not designate candidates by party on the ballot.

Which races are partisan and which are nonpartisan?
El Paso City Council and school board elections are nonpartisan – so candidates don’t have to declare a party and go through a primary election.

County, state and federal races are partisan. The candidates on the November ballot advanced from the spring primaries and are noted as Democrat or Republican.

Can I vote for candidates from any party in the general election?
Yes, you can vote for candidates in either party in partisan races during the November general election regardless of what party you voted in during the primary and primary runoffs.

Can I vote straight ticket for a party in the general election?
No, voters can no longer vote “straight ticket” with one selection. You have to manually select each candidate for whom you want to vote.

What do I need to vote in person?
You’ll need one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID, which include a Texas driver’s license, U.S. passport book or card, or Texas personal ID card.

Can I vote by mail?
You can vote by mail in Texas if you are age 65 or older on Election Day; are sick or have a disability; are expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; or are in jail but still eligible to vote. You can also vote by mail if you will be out of El Paso County on Election Day and during the early voting period.

You must apply to receive a mail-in ballot and the El Paso County Elections Department must receive your application by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. More information can be found HERE.

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