KATY, TEXAS — The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are approaching, and residents across Katy, Fulshear, Cinco Ranch, Brookshire, and surrounding communities need to know when to vote, where to go, and what identification to bring.
For anyone searching how to vote in the US midterms, The Katy News has put together a straightforward guide to help local residents prepare for the November 3, 2026, election.
Whether you are voting for the first time, have recently moved, or simply want to confirm your polling location, there are several important dates and requirements to know.
When Is Election Day in Texas?
The 2026 midterm election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Important Texas voting dates include:
- October 5: Last day to register to vote (deadline has passed).
- October 19: Early voting begins.
- October 23: Deadline for election officials to receive applications for ballots by mail.
- October 30: Early in-person voting ends.
- November 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Registered voters do not have to wait until November 3. Early voting provides an opportunity to cast a ballot before Election Day.
How to Vote in the US Midterms If You Live in Katy
One important fact about Katy is that the greater Katy area extends into three Texas counties: Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller.
Your county of voter registration determines which county’s election system and voting locations you must use.
Residents should first verify their registration through the Texas Secretary of State’s official website:
Check Your Registration: https://www.votetexas.gov/
Once you confirm your registration, check your county’s election website for approved voting locations, hours, and sample ballots.
Where Can Katy Residents Find Voting Locations?
Harris County: https://www.harrisvotes.com/
Fort Bend County: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/
Waller County: https://www.co.waller.tx.us/
Do not assume the closest polling location is available to you simply because it has a Katy address. Confirm your county and approved location before leaving home.
What ID Do You Need to Vote in Texas?
Texas generally requires an approved photo ID when voting in person.
Accepted forms include a Texas driver’s license, Texas personal identification card, Texas election identification certificate, Texas handgun license, U.S. military photo identification, U.S. citizenship certificate with photograph, or U.S. passport.
Most approved photo IDs may be expired for no more than four years. Different expiration rules apply to voters age 70 and older.
Voters who cannot reasonably obtain an approved photo ID may qualify to use supporting identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Can You Vote by Mail?
Texas permits voting by mail for eligible voters, including certain residents who are 65 or older, have a qualifying sickness or disability, or meet other statutory conditions.
Applications for the November election must be received by October 23, 2026.
Visit https://www.votetexas.gov/ for eligibility requirements and instructions.
Why the Midterm Elections Matter to Katy
Midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters select representatives for Congress, along with state and certain local offices.
For Katy-area residents, the election provides an opportunity to learn about candidates’ positions on issues affecting everyday life, including property taxes, education, public safety, transportation, healthcare, and economic development.
The exact races appearing on a voter’s ballot depend on their residential address and voting districts.
What If Your Voter Registration Is Missing?
With Texas reporting technical difficulties involving voter registration records ahead of early voting, residents should verify their status rather than assume their registration is correct.
If your information appears incorrect or missing, contact your county voter registrar.
Eligible residents experiencing registration problems may have options such as provisional voting, depending on their circumstances.
Before You Head to the Polls
Check your voter registration, review your sample ballot, confirm the correct polling location, and bring acceptable identification.
For Katy residents, knowing these details ahead of time can help avoid unnecessary confusion when voting begins.
The Katy News will continue providing community-focused election information for residents throughout Katy and surrounding areas.
The Katy News — Katy’s Only Locally Owned News Source, Serving the Community Since 1989.
