Question 1

What is a Primary Election?

Accepted Answer

It is an election held by one of the major political parties to determine which candidate will represent them for each race on the ballot at the next General Election.

Question 2

Who's in charge of the Primaries?

Accepted Answer

The major political parties (Democrats and Republicans) are in charge of their respective Primary Elections. See the Minor Parties FAQ category for information on minor parties.

Question 3

Do the Propositions on the ballot become laws?

Accepted Answer

No. The Propositions that each party puts on the ballot in the Primary Elections are non-binding, meaning that they do not become laws. They are more like an opinion poll.

Question 4

If I voted in the last election, do I need to re-register?"

Accepted Answer

Not unless you have moved or changed your name. If you are already registered to vote, haven't changed your name, and live at the same address you were registered at previously, you do not need to re-register. You can check to see if you are registered on your county Elections Office website (Dallas or Collin). The deadline to register to vote or change your address or name is about 30 days before an election.

Question 5

Which party's Primary Election am I allowed to vote in?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, if you are already registered to vote by the deadline, you may choose to vote in either the Republican Primary or the Democratic Primary. You may NOT vote in both Primary elections in the same election cycle (essentially, in the same year).

Question 6

Where do I go to vote?

Accepted Answer

Go to your county Elections Office website (Dallas or Collin) to find polling locations for Early Voting and Election Day.
 
NOTE: Your polling place for a Primary or Primary Runoff may be different than your polling place for a General Election.

Question 7

Do I have to register with a party beforehand in order to vote in their Primary Election?

Accepted Answer

No. You may vote in either party's Primary.

Question 8

If I vote in a party's Primary, do I have to vote for the same candidates in the fall election?"

Accepted Answer

No, you may vote for any candidate on the ballot in the fall election, regardless of the primary you voted in.

Question 9

May I vote in a party's Primary if I voted in the other party's Primary two years ago?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 10

Who may vote in the Primary Runoff Election?

Accepted Answer

You may only vote in one party's primary. If you vote in that primary, you are entitled to vote in that party's runoff election in the same election cycle.
 
If you don't vote in either primary, you may still vote in either party's Primary Runoff Election.

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