Texas Polls Close At 7 PM As Voters Decide Key Races
Texas Polls Close At 7 PM As Voters Decide Key Races...
Polls across Texas closed at 7 PM local time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, capping off a high-stakes election day with closely watched races for Congress, state legislature, and local offices. The deadline is trending as voters and political observers await results that could shift power in Washington and Austin.
Most Texas polling locations opened at 7 AM and operated for 12 hours under state law, though some counties extended hours due to long lines. The Texas Secretary of State's office reported heavy turnout in urban centers like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where competitive districts drew national attention.
This year's primary elections carry extra significance after Texas gained two congressional seats from the 2020 Census. Both parties have poured record funding into races that could determine control of the U.S. House. Real-time results began posting shortly after polls closed on county election websites.
Voters faced new requirements under Texas' revised election laws, including stricter ID rules and bans on 24-hour voting. Civil rights groups monitored polling places after early voting data showed lower turnout in some minority precincts compared to 2022.
Key races include a Democratic primary challenge to Rep. Henry Cuellar and a Republican showdown between Attorney General Ken Paxton and challenger George P. Bush. Local ballot measures on school funding and infrastructure also drew strong interest.
Election officials warn final counts may take longer than usual due to increased mail-in ballots. Under Texas law, ballots postmarked by Election Day can be received until 5 PM Wednesday if sent from within the U.S., or until Monday if mailed from overseas.
The Texas results will shape November's general election landscape, with both parties viewing the state as a battleground after recent Democratic gains in metropolitan areas. National media outlets have deployed additional resources to cover what some analysts call "the most consequential Texas primary in decades."
