Texas Tribune expands sample ballot tool to cover local elections for 16 million voters

The Texas Tribune expands its online sample ballot tool to cover local elections in Texas's 50 most populous counties, making comprehensive ballot information accessible to over 16 million voters—representing 85% of the state's registered electorate. Ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election, this expansion allows voters to preview local propositions, school board races, and charter amendments alongside statewide contests, addressing critical information gaps in municipal elections.

Texas Tribune's expanded ballot tool

• ▪The Texas Tribune's sample ballot tool previously only provided information on statewide, congressional, and legislative races before the October 5, 2026, expansion of the tool to include local races
• ▪The Texas Tribune's sample ballot tool, expanded on October 5, 2026, covers local races in Texas's 50 most populous counties, reaching voters, or over 85% of registered voters in Texas
• ▪The Texas Tribune expanded its online sample ballot tool on October 5, 2026, to include local elections and initiatives for the upcoming November 3, 2026, general election.
• ▪The Texas Tribune's sample ballot tool, expanded on October 5, 2026, includes local contests ranging from school board trustees and constables to city charter changes and bond elections

Texas Tribune local expansion

• ▪The Waco Bridge and Austin Current, two local newsrooms launched by The Texas Tribune, will publish versions of the expanded ballot tool during the week of October 5, 2026.
• ▪The Texas Tribune expanded its reporting reach in 2022 by stationing journalists in Texas cities including Lubbock and Lufkin.

Texas Tribune voter resources

• ▪The Texas Tribune's campaign tracking tools focus on the U.S. Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton.
• ▪The Texas Tribune provides a suite of voter resources for the 2026 election, including candidate guides, a candidate-matching quiz, and tools to track campaign spending and polling.

Key election dates in Texas

• ▪The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026, general election in Texas is October 5, 2026.
• ▪In-person early voting for the November 3, 2026, general election in Texas is scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026.

California voter resources and election dates

• ▪In-person early voting in California begins on October 31, 2026, with county officials starting to mail ballots on or before October 5, 2026.
• ▪The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026, general election in Texas is October 5, 2026.
• ▪California voters receive a County Voter Information Guide containing a sample ballot and information on local candidates and ballot measures.

National voter resources

• ▪The League of Women Voters and the official United States Government website provided source information to help voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections
• ▪The national voter education tool VOTE411 allows voters to enter their address to find personalized ballot measures, candidates, and polling-place details for the 2026 midterm elections.

Debatable claims

• ▪Voter mobilization is an appropriate role for news organizations
• ▪A lack of information is the primary cause of low voter turnout in local elections