2026 Midterm Elections
Important Dates, Voting Resources and Ways to Get Involved
The civic responsibility to vote has deep roots in Jewish tradition. In the Babylonian Talmud, Rabbi Yitzhak teaches that “a ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted” (Berachot 55a). Over the centuries, this idea of consulting the community has found expression in our democratic tradition, including the opportunity to elect local, state and federal officials.
As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, Temple Emanu-El’s Civic Engagement & Advocacy Team encourages our community to learn about the candidates and issues on the ballot and find ways to participate in our civic life.
This sermon from Rabbi Kimberly Herzog Cohen in June of 2024, highlights the sacred work of nonpartisan civic engagement and it’s connection to our Jewish values.
Important Election Dates
- October 19–30: Early voting
- Friday, October 23: Deadline for eligible voters to apply for a ballot by mail. Applications must be received by the county’s early voting clerk.
- Tuesday, November 3: Election Day
For official dates and election information, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s election calendar.
Prepare to Vote
Take time to review your ballot and make a plan before heading to the polls. These resources can help:
- VOTE411.org: Find your polling location, review your sample ballot and learn about candidates.
- League of Women Voters of Texas: Explore nonpartisan voter guides and information about voting in Texas.
- VoteTexas.gov: Find official information about voter eligibility, identification requirements and voting procedures.
During early voting, Texas voters can vote at any polling location in their county. Polling locations and hours vary, so check your county’s election website before you go. If you have any issues when going to vote, you can call the nonpartisan hotline for assistance at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
Voting by Mail
Texas allows eligible voters to vote by mail if they meet certain requirements. You may qualify if you are 65 or older, have a qualifying disability or illness, will be outside your county during the entire early voting period and on Election Day, expect to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or are confined in jail or involuntarily civilly committed and otherwise eligible.
The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Friday, October 23. Your application must be received by your county’s early voting clerk by that date. Find the official application and instructions at VoteTexas.gov.
Completed mail ballots generally must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, though certain postmark exceptions apply. Follow the instructions included with your ballot and review the state’s official voting guidance for details.
Accessible Voting Options
Voters with qualifying physical disabilities or illnesses may be eligible for curbside voting if they cannot enter the polling place without personal assistance or risking their health. Contact your county election office before voting to learn how to request assistance.
Get Involved: Support Fair and Accessible Elections
Volunteering to help voters and support election administration is another way to participate in our democracy.
Become a Poll Monitor
Common Cause Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project are offering virtual training for nonpartisan poll monitors. Volunteers observe the voting process, help voters who encounter problems and document potential issues. Training sessions are scheduled throughout October.
Learn more and sign up for poll monitor training.
Become a Legal Monitor
Lawyers for Good Government and the Texas Civil Rights Project are recruiting attorneys and law students to serve as nonpartisan legal monitors at polling locations across Texas. Legal monitors help voters navigate election-related issues, support compliance with election and accessibility laws, and document concerns. No prior election experience is required, and training is provided.
Are You Working at the Polls This Year?
Temple’s Civic Engagement & Advocacy Team is gathering information from members of our community who are participating in election administration this year.