Texas Voting Rights & Election Laws 2026
Voter ID requirements, mail voting, early voting access, felony disenfranchisement, and election law political context in Texas.
Strict Photo ID
Voter ID Requirement
No
Universal Mail Voting
12
Early Voting Days
#43
Access Rank (1=most open)
Voting Access Overview
Texas has strict photo ID, absentee voting only for those 65+ or with qualifying excuse, no automatic or same-day registration, and 12 days of early voting. Texas passed additional restrictions in SB 1 in 2021 targeting practices used in Harris County (Houston).
Election Law Details
| Policy | Status |
|---|---|
| Voter ID Requirement | Strict Photo ID |
| Mail / Absentee Voting | Absentee with Excuse (age 65+) |
| Early Voting Days | 12 |
| Automatic Voter Registration | No |
| Same-Day Registration | No |
| Felony Disenfranchisement | Post-sentence |
| Access Rank Nationally | #43 of 50 |
Political Context
Texas SB 1 targeted specific voting practices used in Democratic-leaning Harris County, including drive-through voting and 24-hour voting that were used during COVID. Federal courts have reviewed these restrictions. Texas voting access is a major national political battleground.