The last day to register to vote in the March primary election was Monday as Texans prepare to decide the Democratic and Republican candidates for important races like the U.S. Senate, governor, and Texas attorney general as well as propositions for each party.
The last Texas primary election in 2024 only an 18% voter turnout rate, with 80% of those voting over the age of 50, and about 4% under the age of 30. In 2022, only four Texas House races were decided in November. The other 146 were decided in the March primary. Texas ranks number two for the lowest primary voter turnout, with 3% of voters deciding 97% of lawmakers in 2024.
The March primaries feature multiple candidates competing within the same party – Republican or Democrat. Should no candidate receive 50% or more of the vote, the two top candidates will face off in a runoff election in May.
The primary winners compete, but in most districts, the primary winner is almost a guaranteed winner.
To be eligible to vote in March, you must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and live in the county in which registered to vote. To double check to make sure voter registration is active, visit the Secretary of State Office portal. Information can also be updated such as a name change or address.
Valerie DeBill, vice president of Voter Service for the League of Women Voters of the Austin area, said new voter registration certificates were recently sent out in the mail.
This happened a little later than usual because of the confusion surrounding redistricting that had to be settled by federal courts.
Early voting for the March primary will run from Feb. 17-27. Applications to vote by mail must be received by the county’s early voting clerk by Feb. 20. Election Day is March 3.
Texas offers three options for voting which includes early voting, voting on election day or voting by mail (if eligible).
Under Texas law, voters who possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls when voting in person which include a Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS; Texas Handgun License issued by DPS; United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph; United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; or United States Passport (book or card).