Texas voters will soon experience a new early voting schedule designed to extend convenience and potentially increase voter turnout. Senate Bill 2753, passed by lawmakers and now awaiting the governor’s signature, mandates a shift in the early voting calendar by eliminating the traditional three-day gap before Election Day.
Currently, Texas allows for 12 days of early voting, starting 17 days before Election Day and ending four days prior, typically including only one weekend. Under the new law, the early voting period will still span 12 days but begin on a Thursday and run continuously through Election Day—covering two full weekends and any holidays in that timeframe. The law also expands Sunday voting hours from six to nine hours and requires any site used for early voting to also serve as a polling place on Election Day. These changes will align Texas with 22 other states that already allow uninterrupted early voting up to Election Day.
Supporters of the bill say the new schedule simplifies the voting process, encourages participation—particularly during weekends—and could reduce operational costs. However, local election officials are raising concerns about logistics and costs. The bill does not provide state funding for the necessary adjustments, including hiring more election workers, acquiring additional voting equipment, and ensuring sites are available for dual use throughout the voting period.
Another key impact involves election result reporting. Because early voting ballots will be tabulated alongside Election Day ballots, counties expect delays in releasing initial tallies due to the increased volume and required security protocols. Implementation must begin no later than August 2027, though specific timelines remain unclear. The Secretary of State is responsible for developing rules and procedures to support counties through the transition and must submit a readiness report to the Legislature after September 1, 2027.
With fewer than half of Texas counties using a countywide voting model—where voters can cast ballots at any location—many jurisdictions may face additional challenges adapting to the uniform polling site requirement. Ultimately, the law aims to improve voter access and bring Texas in line with national trends, but counties will need resources, planning, and flexibility to make it work effectively.
If you want to know about voting in Austin County you can watch our episode of Hello Austin County featuring Kim Rinn our Tax Assessor-Collector.
