Polls open as Travis County sets midterm turnout record
Early voting in the district surpassed 210,000 ballots, marking a high for a midterm cycle in the region.
By Adriana Abebe ·
Polling stations across Texas opened on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the final day of the 2026 midterm election.
Voters in the Austin area are selecting candidates for the U.S. Senate, governor, and lieutenant governor. The race for the Senate pits Democratic nominee James Talarico against Republican Ken Paxton and Libertarian Ted Brown. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa challenges incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, who seeks a fourth term. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin runs against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Travis County cast more than 210,000 ballots during the first five days of early voting. This figure set a record for the most early ballots cast in a midterm election in that county. The first day of the Oct. 19 to Oct. 30 early voting window also recorded a 20-year high in ballots cast for a midterm election.
Austinites also vote on local contests for county judges, commissioners, and prosecutors. Ballot measures address issues such as property taxes, data centers, and fuel prices. State House and school board trustee races appear on the ballot in the area.
Election officials will provide live results throughout the night. Voters can search their ZIP code to find their specific polling location. The final opportunity to cast a ballot in these races closes with the end of the day's polling.
