Early voting begins in Texas

The 2024 general election has begun, as the early voting period in Texas begins today, October 21 and will continue for 12 days.

In addition to the presidential election, Texas will be voting across the ballot for 39 federal positions, including one U.S. Senate seat and 38 of Texas’s congressional seats in the U.S. House, in addition to a number of statewide elections including 24 state senators and 135 state representatives.

After the presidential election, the U.S. Senate race is the most high-profile race in Texas — pitting incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) against challenger Congressman Colin Allred (D-TX-32). 

The most notable congressional races will take place in the 15th Congressional District between Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-TX-15) and Democrat Michelle Vallejo, and in the 34th between Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) and former Congresswoman Mayra Flores (R-TX-34). 

Three Texas Supreme Court elections are also on the ballot. Candidates vying for seats on the court include Justice John Devine (R) against Judge Christine Weems (D) for Place 4, Justice Jimmy Blacklock (R) versus Judge DaSean Jones (D) for Place 2, and the three candidates for Place 6: Justice Jane Bland (R), Judge Bonnie Lee Goldstein (D), and David Roberson (L).

Other notable races across the state include: 

Senate District (SD) 27 – Sen. Morgan LaMantia (D-South Padre Island) and Adam Hinojosa (R).

House District (HD) 37 – Rep. Janie Lopez (R-San Benito) and Jonathan Garcia (D).

HD 52 – Rep. Caroline Harris-Davila (R-Georgetown) and Jennie Birkholz (D)

HD 80 – Don McLaughlin (R) and Cecilia Castellano (D)

HD 112 – Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Richardson) and Averie Bishop (D)

HD 118 – Rep. John Lujan (R-San Antonio) and Kristian Carranza (D).

HD 121 – Laurel Jordan Swift (D) and Marc LaHood (R).

The State Board of Education also has multiple positions up for election, including Districts 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15. 

Anyone who is at or above the age of 65, is disabled, or is out of their respective county during the election may vote by mail.

Early voting concludes on Friday, November 1. Polls open on Election Day, November 5, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.