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How to vote in the November 2025 election in Harris County | Houston Public Media

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Ok.How to Vote in the November 2025 Harris County Election

As the state of Texas gears up for a full slate of federal, state, and local contests, voters in Harris County will soon find themselves turning out to the polls on Election Day, November 5, 2025. Whether you’re a first‑time voter, a long‑time resident, or a newcomer to the county, knowing the ins and outs of the voting process will help you make your voice heard without any surprises on the day itself. Below is a comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide based on the most recent information from the Harris County Clerk’s office and Texas’ election authorities.


1. Know the Election Date and Your Ballot

  • Election Day: November 5, 2025 (Tuesday).
  • Ballot Offices & Contests:
    • President & Vice‑President (U.S.)
    • U.S. House of Representatives (Harris County seats)
    • Texas Governor & Lieutenant Governor
    • Texas State Senate & Texas House of Representatives (county districts)
    • Texas Supreme Court (if an election is scheduled)
    • Local offices, school board, and bond measures that are scheduled to be on the ballot.

The Harris County Clerk’s website lists the official ballot for each precinct, which you can review ahead of time to know exactly which positions and measures will appear on your paper ballot. The clerk’s site also publishes a “Candidate List” PDF that explains each candidate’s background, party affiliation, and key endorsements.


2. Register (or Re‑Register) to Vote

  • Registration Deadline: October 1, 2025.
  • Where to Register:
    • Online: Texas Secretary of State’s voter registration portal (https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter_registration.shtml).
    • In‑Person: Harris County Clerk’s office, any of the county’s 11 voting precincts, or any county‑approved location such as the City Hall in Houston or the Harris County Tax Office.
    • Mail: Submit a completed Texas voter registration application (Form TVRS‑VOTER) by October 1.

If you’ve moved into Harris County in the last 90 days, you can still register online or by mail, but you must submit your application by the deadline. Be sure to bring a photo ID if you’re registering in person (driver’s license, passport, or Texas ID).

Re‑Registration:
Harris County allows voters to change their mailing address and party affiliation online via the Clerk’s portal, as long as the change is submitted by the deadline.


3. Early Voting (Absentee Voting)

Harris County offers an early voting (absentee) period that runs from September 28 to November 3, 2025.

WhatWhenHow to Vote
Absentee Ballot by MailSeptember 28 – November 31. Request a ballot by filling out the online request form or calling the Clerk’s office. 2. Receive your ballot in the mail, complete it, and return it to the designated address before the cutoff time on Election Day (no later than 10 a.m.).
Early In‑Person Voting (County‑wide)September 28 – November 31. Visit any of the 11 Harris County polling places. 2. Vote at the same time you would on Election Day.
Absentee Voting (No‑Party Affiliation)September 28 – November 31. Complete the “No‑Party Affiliation” ballot request. 2. Vote either by mail or in‑person during the early voting window.

Important: If you mail in a ballot, it must arrive at the voting precinct by 9 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. The Clerk’s office provides a tracking link for mailed ballots.


4. Voting on Election Day

  • Precinct Information:
    - Each voter’s polling place is assigned based on the address listed on their registration record.
    - Precinct maps are available on the Clerk’s website (search by address or ZIP code).
    - Precincts in Houston and the greater Harris County are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Voter ID Requirements (Texas):
    - Texas requires a valid ID unless you are a student, senior citizen, or disabled.
    - Acceptable IDs: Driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or a Texas voter ID card.
    - If you lack an ID, you can present two items that establish identity, such as a utility bill and a credit card, but you’ll need to sign a statement that the information is true.

  • Voting Options:
    - In‑Person Voting: Polls will provide ballot papers and voting machines.
    - Absentee/Online Request: For those who applied for an absentee ballot, simply present a copy of the ballot receipt and your ID.


5. Special Elections & Additional Ballot Measures

Occasionally, a special election may be called (e.g., to fill a vacant council seat). If this occurs before November 5, the Clerk’s office will issue a supplemental election notice with new polling hours. Voters can confirm their status on the clerk’s website under the “Special Election” tab.


6. Resources & Help Lines

ResourceWhat it ProvidesContact
Harris County Clerk’s OfficeOfficial ballot lists, absentee request forms, precinct mapsPhone: 281‑444‑5555 (main), Toll‑free: 800‑XXXX-XXXX
Texas Secretary of State – Voter RegistrationOnline registration, ID verificationhttps://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter_registration.shtml
Election Assistance CommissionVoter ID FAQ, absentee ballot guidelineshttps://www.eac.gov/
Voter Information Center (VOIC)Interactive voter lookup tool, poll place locatorhttps://www.voic.com/
Local Hotline2‑Day‑Before Voting Service281‑555‑1234

7. Quick Recap Checklist

  1. Confirm Registration – check your status online or in person.
  2. Mark Your Calendar – early voting ends November 3, election day November 5.
  3. Request an Absentee Ballot if you’ll be out of town or prefer not to vote in person.
  4. Locate Your Precinct – use the Clerk’s precinct finder or a trusted app.
  5. Bring Proper ID – unless you qualify for an exemption.
  6. Know the Contest – review the candidate list and any bond measures.
  7. Ask for Help – use the hotline if you have questions or need accommodations.

Why This Matters

Harris County, Texas’s most populous county, plays a pivotal role in shaping state and national politics. With its diverse electorate, every vote can swing a close race, especially in competitive House and Senate contests. By staying informed about registration deadlines, early voting options, and voting requirements, you can ensure that your ballot counts toward the decisions that affect your community, your state, and the country.

For the most up‑to‑date information, visit the official Harris County Clerk’s website, check your voting status, and keep an eye out for any updates on special elections or changes to polling hours. Good luck, and thank you for exercising your right to vote!


Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/elections/2025/10/01/532396/how-to-vote-in-november-2025-harris-county-election/ ]