Election Winds are Blowing.
Your "to-do" list for the midterm elections.
With only 4 months until the midterms, we are entering into the most intensive time for what may be the most consequential election of our time. We are monitoring a number of issues concerning elections and will keep you updated as things progress. For example, there could be changes to voter rolls; interim hearings about effects of newly passed laws and redistricting; possible election staffing shortages; and the appointment of a brand new Secretary of State (the chief election officer of the state). Stay plugged in to hear the latest developments and what they mean for you and your community.
In the meantime, there are 3 things we all should be doing to protect our right to vote and to mitigate any confusion at the polls in November. Take these steps in order to stay ahead of any maneuvers that could result in disenfranchising voters.
#1 - Check your voter registration status regularly to ensure you are still registered. Encourage others to do the same.
The average voter has no idea how many changes are underway regarding the maintenance of voter rolls and the systems that manage these rolls. There is ongoing communication between the federal government and the Texas Secretary of State (SOS)—which serves as the chief election officer for the state—and between the SOS and the county election offices. There has been a major push from the Texas House and Senate to double down on efforts to address voter fraud by scouring the rolls for noncitizens who are registered to vote. This is despite the lack of evidence of any significant voter fraud. In fact, research shows that out of 686 million ballots cast in the U.S. between 2016 - 2025, there were only 558 voter fraud cases.
Still, due to these database consolidations and other efforts, administrative errors are happening, and legitimately registered voters are being put in suspension. That is why it is important to safeguard your registration by confirming your registration status with your county election office or the Secretary of State’s office. It’s a simple process and should be done monthly.
If you’re a “belts and suspenders” person like me, take a screenshot of your voter status or carry your voter registration card as evidence that you are currently and lawfully registered to vote.
#2 - Watch your mail for a notice from the State Election Office.
Should a voter be flagged by the federal SAVE database-screening system, the SOS office is required by law to notify that person by U.S. mail. The voter must then contact the SOS office and provide necessary documentation to correct the error. If the voter fails to do so, they will be purged from the rolls. Some people have realized this had happened to them only after showing up at the polls to vote. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your mail and not to disregard any notice coming from the Texas Secretary of State Elections Division.
#3 - Add these important election dates and deadlines to your personal calendar.
Last Day to Register to Vote - October 5, 2026
First Day of Early Voting - October 19, 2026
Election Day - November 3, 2026
Last Day to Receive a Ballot by Mail - Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)4
If you are ready to up your game, here are more things you can do to be an advocate for fair, safe, accessible elections:
#1 - Watch the livestream of the Senate State Affairs Hearing on June 23 at 9am.
There are a number of Senate interim charges, but the ones related to elections which are on the agenda for June 23 are:
Maintaining Election Security: Study ways to enhance election security and guarantee poll watcher access. Further evaluate county election administration and local election officials and any recent attempts to circumvent state law. Make recommendations to ensure the security and integrity of Texas elections.
Ensuring Efficiency in Texas Elections: Study different methods counties employ regarding the marking and counting of ballots. Review the designation of polling locations for a specific political party during primary elections. Make recommendations to ensure elections are conducted efficiently and securely.
Watching interim hearings is a great way to get to know our legislators and inform yourself about the issues.
#2 - Attend one of Texas Impact’s Ready.Set.Go! events this summer.
Event planning is underway for events in Dallas, Denton, San Antonio, and Houston. These events will bring together people of all faiths to discuss in earnest how best to inform, motivate, and inspire participation in the democratic process over the next 2 years—from the 2026 midterms, to the 2027 Texas Legislative Session, and the 2028 Presidential election. Please plan to attend an event near you!
Denton — Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9:30am - 2:30pm (Registration open.)
Dallas — Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 1pm - 6pm (Registration open.)
San Antonio — Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9:30am - 2:30pm (Registration opens soon.)
Houston — Sunday, September 27 from 9am - Noon (Registration opens soon.)
#3 - Watch for the next Texas House Elections Committee hearing in early August.
The Chair of the House Elections Committee, Rep. Matt Shaheen, has indicated that he will call a second public hearing for election-related topics in early August. You can set up alerts on Texas Legislature Online to be notified when the committee meeting has been scheduled. Just create a free account on “My TLO” and choose “Elections Committee” on the Alerts page.
The Most Important Thing
Finally, stay current by subscribing to this substack. Texas Impact will keep you up to date on this and other issues. We will help you know how to advocate for things that you care about in living out your faith in the world.