Final Call: Today is the Last Day for Early Voting in Texas
Today, Friday, February 27, 2026, marks the final opportunity for Texans to cast their ballots during the early voting period for the **March 3 Primary Election**. With over a million ballots already cast in the first week alone, the state is seeing significant engagement as voters decide who will lead their parties—and potentially the state—into the next decade.
If you haven’t made it to the polls yet, here is everything you need to know about today’s deadline and the high stakes of the 2026 primary cycle.
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The “Last Call” for Early Voting
Early voting in Texas is favored for its flexibility, allowing voters to visit **any** polling location within their county of residence. This convenience ends tonight.
* **Deadline:** Most polls are open until **7:00 PM** tonight, though some counties may vary slightly. As long as you are **in line by 7:00 PM**, you are legally entitled to vote.
* **Identification:** You must bring one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID (e.g., Texas Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, or Military ID).
* **Where to go:** Visit [VoteTexas.gov](https://www.votetexas.gov) to find the nearest early voting center in your county.
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Why the Primaries Matter
While the General Election in November often gets the most “mainstream” buzz, the primaries are where the ideological soul of each party is defined. In many deeply “red” or “blue” districts across Texas, the winner of the primary is essentially the winner of the seat, as they may face no major-party opposition in the fall.
#### 1. The Battle for the U.S. Senate
The most watched race in the state is the **Republican Primary for U.S. Senate**. Incumbent **John Cornyn** is facing high-profile challenges from within his own party, most notably from Texas Attorney General **Ken Paxton** and Houston Congressman **Wesley Hunt**. On the Democratic side, **Jasmine Crockett** and **James Talarico** are leading a field of candidates vying for the chance to flip the seat in November.
#### 2. Statewide Power Struggles
The entire “Executive Row” is up for grabs. Governor **Greg Abbott** is seeking a historic fourth term, while races for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Agriculture Commissioner are drawing heavy interest.
#### 3. Ballot Propositions
In addition to choosing candidates, Republican and Democratic voters are weighing in on non-binding **party propositions**. These function as “opinion polls” that signal to the legislature what the base cares about most. This year, the GOP ballot includes propositions on:
* Phasing out property taxes.
* Banning Democratic committee chairmanships in the Texas House.
* Stricter border and immigration policies.
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Looking Ahead: March 3 and Beyond
If you miss today’s deadline, your next and final chance to vote in the primary is **Tuesday, March 3 (Election Day)**.
> **Important Note:** Unlike early voting, where you can go anywhere in your county, on Election Day, some counties require you to vote at your specific **assigned precinct**.
If no candidate in a race receives more than **50% of the vote**, the top two finishers will head to a **Primary Runoff Election on May 26, 2026**.
Since you are looking for local specifics for the Gilmer area, here is the essential info for casting your ballot on this final day of early voting in **Upshur County**.
### 🗳️ Where to Vote Today (Feb. 27)
In Upshur County, the primary early voting location is:
Early voting in Upshur County is designed to be a convenient alternative to Election Day, allowing any registered voter to cast their ballot ahead of time. For the upcoming **March 3, 2026, Primary Election**, the early voting period is currently underway.
### 📍 Primary Early Voting Location
Unlike Election Day, where you may have to go to a specific precinct, all early voting in Upshur County typically takes place at a central hub:
* **Gilmer Civic Center**
* 1218 US HWY 271 N, Gilmer, TX 75644
* *Note: Voting is no longer held at the Courthouse.*
* **Hours:** Most early voting locations across East Texas are open **7:00 AM to 7:00 PM** today to accommodate the final rush.
> **Pro Tip:** As long as you are **in line by 7:00 PM**, the poll workers are legally required to let you vote.
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### 📝 What’s on the Local Ballot?
While the statewide races for U.S. Senate and Governor are getting the headlines, several key local positions are up for grabs in Upshur County:
| Office | Notable Candidates (Republican Primary) |
| — | — |
| **County Judge** | L. Brandon Dodd, Trace Hudgins, Brandon T. Winn |
| **Criminal District Attorney** | Joey Fenlaw, Barry Clark Wallace |
| **District Clerk** | Brittney Wintters |
| **County Clerk** | Terri Ross |
| **Commissioner Pct. 2** | Brian Davis, Dustin Nicholson |
| **Commissioner Pct. 4** | Jay W. Miller, Mike Spencer |
*Note: In Upshur County, many of these local races are decided during the Republican Primary, as there are often no Democratic challengers in the general election.*
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### 🆔 Quick Voter Checklist
* **ID Required:** Bring your Texas Driver’s License, Texas Election ID Certificate, or U.S. Passport.
* **No Phones:** You cannot use your phone inside the polling place. You are, however, allowed to bring a **printed sample ballot** or written notes with you.
* **Pick a Side:** In Texas, you don’t register as a Democrat or Republican beforehand, but today you must choose one party’s primary to vote in.
### What if I miss today?
If you don’t make it today, your final chance is **Tuesday, March 3 (Election Day)**. On that day, you can vote at any of the countywide polling places, such as the Gilmer Civic Center, Ore City Community Center, or Big Sandy ISD.
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