How to Register and Vote in Bowie County, Texas
Voting is one of the most important ways you can have your voice heard in your community, state, and country. If you live in Bowie County, Texas, here’s what you need to know about registering to vote, finding your polling place, early voting, and key deadlines for the 2026 Republican Primary Election.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
Before registering, make sure you meet Texas voter eligibility requirements:
You are a U.S. citizen.
You will be 18 years old by Election Day.
You are a resident of Texas and Bowie County.
You have not been declared mentally incapacitated by a court with voting rights not later restored.
You are not confined in jail for a felony conviction.
Step 2: Register to Vote
In Texas, you must register to vote at least 30 days before Election Day. That means:
Last day to register for the 2026 Republican Primary: February 2, 2026
You can register by:
Filling out a voter registration application (available at the Bowie County Elections Office, libraries, the Secretary of State’s office, or online via the official Texas form).
Mailing it to:
Bowie County Elections Office
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Once registered, you’ll be eligible to vote in the primary and all other future elections until you move or change your registration.
You do NOT register with a political party. Texas does not require party affiliation when you register to vote. When you vote, you’ll be asked to choose either the Republican or Democrat primary ballot.
Step 3: Early Voting and Election Day
Early Voting
Early voting makes it easier to participate without waiting in long lines on Election Day.
For the 2026 Republican Primary Election:
Early Voting Period: February 17 to February 27, 2026.
During early voting, you can go to any early voting location in Bowie County and cast your ballot in person. You can access polling locations and other important information at the Bowie County Elections website.
Primary Election Day
Republican (and Democratic) Primary Day: March 3, 2026
On Election Day, polls are typically open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. statewide unless otherwise posted by the county. For the most up-to-date information, check the Bowie County Elections website.
Step 4: Where Do You Vote?
In Bowie County, you have options:
You can vote at any polling location in the county rather than being restricted to one assigned site.
You can check all early voting and Election Day locations before Election Day by visiting the Bowie County Elections Office website or calling the Elections Office.
Polling places may include community centers, churches, schools, and other public buildings.
Step 5: What You Need to Bring
Texas law requires you to bring one of the approved forms of photo ID when you vote in person:
Texas driver’s license
Texas Election Identification Card
U.S. passport
U.S. military ID with photo
Other acceptable government-issued photo IDs
If you don’t have one of the primary photo IDs, you can still vote by:
Completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place, and
Showing an alternative ID (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
Step 6: Other Helpful Tips
Check Your Registration Status: Visit Texas.gov or call the Bowie County Elections Office to confirm you’re registered and your details are current.
Update Your Address: If you’ve moved within Bowie County, update your registration before the deadline.
Vote by Mail: If you qualify and prefer to vote by mail, apply ahead of time (ballot application deadlines apply).
Know What’s on the Ballot: Sample ballots and candidate lists are usually posted online ahead of the election.
Know the Primary Process: When you vote in a Texas primary election, you choose one ballot: either Democratic or Republican. You can’t vote in both. Texas does not register voters by political party, so it doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or something else. You simply pick which party’s ballot you want when you show up to vote. That choice only applies to that election and doesn’t lock you into a party long-term.
Voting is your chance to help shape the leadership and policies that affect our community. Register early, know where and when to vote, and make sure you bring the right ID to the polls.
If you have questions or want to confirm details, contact the Bowie County Elections Office directly.
