What is a Primary election?
It is an election held by one of the major political parties to determine which candidate will represent them for each race on the ballot at the next General Election.
Who's in charge of the Primaries?
The major political parties (Democratic and Republican) are in charge of their respective Primary Elections. See the Minor Parties FAQ category for information on minor parties.
Do the Propositions on the ballot become laws?
No. The Propositions that each party puts on the ballot in the Primary Elections are non-binding, meaning that they do not become laws. They are more like an opinion poll.
If I voted in the last election, do I need to re-register?
Not unless you have moved or changed your name. If you are already registered to vote, haven't changed your name, and live at the same address you were registered at previously, you do not need to re-register. You can check to see if you are registered here. The deadline to register to vote or change your address or name is about 30 days before an election. If you need to register to vote, you can fill out and print an application here.
If you have moved within Texas or changed your name since you last voted, you can now make changes to your voter registration online.
Which party's Primary election am I allowed to vote in?
In Texas, if you are already registered to vote by the deadline, you may choose to vote in either the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary. You may NOT vote in both Primary elections in the same election cycle (essentially, in the same year).
Where do I go to vote?
Go to your county Elections Office website (Dallas or Collin) to find polling locations for Early Voting and Election Day.
NOTE: Your polling place for a Primary or Primary Runoff may be different than your polling place for a General Election.
Do I have to register with a party beforehand in order to vote in their Primary Election?
No. You may vote in either party's Primary.
If I vote in a party's Primary, do I have to vote for the same candidate in the fall election?
No, you may vote for any candidate on the ballot in the fall election, regardless of the primary you voted in.
May I vote in a party's Primary if I voted in a different party's Primary 2 years ago?
Yes.
Who may vote in the Primary Runoff Election?
You may only vote in one party's primary. If you vote in that primary, you are entitled to vote in that party's runoff election in the same election cycle.
If you don't vote in either primary, you may still vote in either party's Primary Runoff Election.