Texas voters have just days to register or update their voter registration before the deadline for the November election.
More than 1.2 million registered voters were on the state's suspense list in September
, meaning election officials could not confirm their current address. Being on the list does not cancel a voter's registration or prevent them from voting, but it can mean an additional step at the polls.But the deadline isn't just for voters on the suspense list. First-time voters who haven't registered, as well as voters who have moved, changed their name or aren't sure their registration is up to date, should check their status before the deadline.
Some may not realize there's an issue with their registration until they show up to the polls.
Checking your registration now can help you resolve problems before early voting begins in mid-October.
When is the voter registration deadline?
The deadline to register or update a Texas voter registration is Monday, Oct. 5.
What is a suspended voter registration?
A voter is placed on the suspense list when their county cannot confirm their current address. This can happen if election mail is returned as undeliverable or if election officials receive information indicating the voter may have moved.
Voters who still live in the same county can cast a regular ballot after completing a statement of residence. Voters who have moved to another county may be required to vote in their previous county or cast a provisional ballot.
How to check your Texas voter registration
You don't have to wait until Election Day to find out whether your registration is on the suspense list.
Texas voters can use the Secretary of State's voter registration lookup to check their registration status and confirm their address is correct.
Check yours: Texas Secretary of State voter registration lookup
How to update your Texas voter registration
Once you confirm your voter registration record through the Texas Secretary of State's voter registration lookup, you'll see several options below your voter information, including the date of the next election: Nov. 3, 2026.
If you need to update your information, select "Is your voter registration record up to date?" The next page allows you to update your name or address.
To make the update, you'll need:
- Your government-issued identification number
- The audit number from your Texas driver's license or identification card. It's the small number printed on the card.
- Your voter unique identifier number
Don't know your voter unique identifier number? You can find it on the voter registration lookup page with the rest of your registration information.
After entering the required information, follow the instructions to submit your updated voter registration information. You should receive a new voter registration certificate within 30 days. If you don't receive it, you can still vote. Bring an acceptable form of photo identification with your current, accurate information to the polls.
What if I'm on the suspense list?
Don't assume you can't vote. If you're on the suspense list:
- Check your address. Make sure the address on your voter registration is current.
- Update your registration if you've moved. The deadline to register or update your registration for the November election is Oct. 5.
- Contact your county voter registrar if you haven't moved. Election officials can help determine why your registration was placed on the suspense list and whether any corrections are needed.
If you're still on the suspense list when you vote, follow the instructions from election workers. You may be asked to complete a Statement of Residence before casting a regular ballot.
What's on the ballot?
Texas voters will elect candidates for offices at the federal, state and local levels.
Statewide, voters will choose among candidates for governor, including Republican Greg Abbott, Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon, as well as U.S. senators, including Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown. All 38 of Texas' U.S. House seats are also up for election, along with state lawmakers, district judges and various local offices.
Because Texas lawmakers approved new congressional maps in 2025, some voters will vote in a different U.S. House district than before.
The exact races on a voter's ballot depend on where they live, so voters should check their county election information before heading to the polls.
Check your ballot: Search by address
2026 election dates to know
- Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote.
- Oct. 19: Early voting begins.
- Oct. 23: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail. Application must be received, not postmarked, by this date.
- Oct. 30: Last day of early voting.
- Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Nov. 3: Deadline for most mail ballots to be received is 7 p.m. on Election Day. Some properly postmarked ballots may be received by 5 p.m. Nov. 4.
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at baddison@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will you be able to vote? Texas deadline is days away, so check now
