Primary season has arrived in North Texas, and Dallas County voters will play a central role in several high-profile races shaping the 2026 election cycle. With competitive contests for U.S. Senate, congressional seats and statewide offices, local voters are at the heart of some of the most closely watched matchups in Texas. Early voting began Feb. 17, giving residents the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Primary Election Day on March 3.

When Can I Vote?

Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27. Primary Election Day is March 3.

Where Can I Vote?

Polling locations can be found on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. During early voting, residents may vote at any location within their county. On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct.

Am I Registered to Vote?

Voters can verify their registration status through the Texas Secretary of State’s website. The deadline to register or update an address for the March primaries was Feb. 2.

How Do I Vote by Mail?

Applications for ballots by mail are available at VoteTexas.gov. To participate in the March 3 primary, the Early Voting Clerk must receive applications by Feb. 20. Completed ballots must generally be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day if the carrier envelope is not postmarked, with limited exceptions.

Can I Vote in Both Primaries?

Texas allows voters to choose which party’s primary they wish to participate in, but individuals cannot vote in both the Republican and Democratic primaries during the same election cycle. If a runoff occurs, voters may only participate in the runoff for the party whose primary they selected — unless they did not vote in the original primary.

Runoff elections, if necessary, are scheduled for May 26.

Key Races to Watch

U.S. Senate

The Senate race is drawing national attention.

Republican candidates include:

• Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, seeking another term.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
• U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston.

Democratic candidates include:

• U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas.
• State Rep. James Talarico of Round Rock.

Congressional District 33 (Democratic Primary)

Due to recent redistricting, former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and current U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson are both seeking the Democratic nomination for District 33.

Attorney General

With Paxton pursuing a Senate bid, the race to replace him is crowded.

Republican candidates include:

• U.S. Rep. Chip Roy
• State Rep. Mayes Middleton
• Former Deputy Attorney General Aaron Reitz
• State Sen. Joan Huffman

Democratic candidates include:

• State Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas
• Former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski

Dallas County ballots are extensive this year. A sample Democratic primary ballot includes more than 100 selections, covering statewide, congressional and county offices, as well as various propositions. The Republican ballot is slightly shorter but still spans multiple pages.

With major federal, state and local offices on the line, voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot and make a plan before heading to the polls.