Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), early voting for the November 3 General Election begins today, October 19!
As we look ahead to the 90th Texas Legislative Session, which begins in January 2027, it is important for TRTA members to make their voices heard at the ballot box. The leaders elected this November will help shape the future of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), retirement security, and public education across our state.
We encourage our members to vote early and bring along friends, family members, and neighbors to the polls. Take time to review your ballot, research the candidates, and make a plan to vote!
Have you voted? We want to see it! Send a photo of yourself with your I Voted sticker to info@trta.org. We would love to celebrate TRTA members participating in the democratic process and encourage others to make their voices heard, too.
Hear Directly From the Texas Gubernatorial Candidates on TRTA Asks: “What’s Next?”
This election season, TRTA members have asked to hear directly from the candidates seeking to become Texas’ next governor. We’re pleased to bring those conversations to you through TRTA Asks: “What’s Next?”
TRTA has interviewed both Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic Representative Gina Hinojosa, giving members an opportunity to hear each candidate’s perspective on the future of Texas and issues important to public education retirees.
Listen to both interviews and make them part of your election research!
Through these conversations, TRTA is providing a platform for the candidates to share their perspectives on the issues that matter to Texas public school retirees. We encourage members to listen, consider the candidates’ responses, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.
You can find the interviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
TRTA does not endorse candidates. Our goal is to help members stay informed and understand where candidates stand on issues affecting their retirement and the future of public education in Texas.
Key Dates for the 2026 November General Election
| Date | Election Milestone |
| October 19–30 | Early voting period |
| October 23 | Last day to apply for a ballot by mail |
| November 3 | Election Day |
You can find additional election information through the Texas Secretary of State’s election website.
Deadline to Request a Ballot by Mail Is Friday, October 23
Texas voters may qualify to vote by mail if they meet one of the following criteria:
- They will be 65 or older by Election Day.
- They will be away from their county of registration during the early voting period and on Election Day.
- They have a sickness or disability that prevents them from voting in person without personal assistance or without the likelihood of injuring their health.
- They are expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day.
- They are confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote.
Important: Your application must be received by the early voting clerk by the deadline. It is not enough to have it postmarked by October 23.
Learn more about voting by mail and download an application by visiting the Texas Secretary of State’s ballot-by-mail information page.
Find Your Polling Place
You can use the Texas Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal to check your voter registration status and find election information.
County election offices also publish polling locations and voting hours for early voting and Election Day. Find your county’s election office through the Secretary of State’s county election website directory.
Remember that polling locations and hours may vary by county and may change. Check your county’s election website before heading to the polls.
Voter ID Information
Texas voters generally need to present one of seven forms of acceptable photo identification when voting in person:
- Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
- Texas handgun license issued by DPS
- United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
- United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States passport (book or card)
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these forms of photo identification may be able to vote by presenting an acceptable alternative form of identification and completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Review the state’s voter ID requirements before heading to the polls.
Researching Candidates: Know Where They Stand
As you decide how to vote, we encourage you to review TRTA’s legislative priorities. These priorities outline the issues that matter most to Texas public school retirees as we prepare for the 90th Texas Legislative Session.
TRTA does not endorse candidates for political office. We do, however, encourage our members to ask candidates where they stand on issues affecting TRS retirees, public education, and retirement security.
As you research candidates, consider asking questions such as:
- If you are running for the Texas Legislature, what will you do to restore TRS to actuarial soundness and support efforts to improve retirement benefits when financially feasible?
- What steps will you take to protect the long-term financial health of TRS and ensure that Texas public school retirees’ retirement security remains a priority?
- How will you support Texas public education and the educators who serve our communities?
TRTA’s legislative priorities can help you evaluate candidates’ positions on issues that directly affect you and your retirement.
Show Us Your “I Voted” Sticker!
TRTA members know that making your voice heard is an important part of protecting the future of Texas public school retirees.
After you vote, take a photo with your I Voted sticker and email it to info@trta.org. We want to celebrate our members’ participation and encourage fellow retirees to get out and vote!
Please include your name and, if you wish, your TRTA District or Chapter. By sending your photo, you give TRTA permission to consider it for use in our communications and social media.
Let’s show Texas that public school retirees are engaged, informed, and ready to make their voices heard!
Thank You!
Please support us today and renew your membership dues! If you are not a member, please join today! It may be the best $35 you spend every year to protect and improve your livelihood and income as we continue to fight for your retirement security!
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