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Voter Advisory

Damaged Mail Ballot? You Can Still Vote.

Wet, torn or stuck to its envelope, a damaged ballot does not cost you your vote. Here is what the Texas Secretary of State says to do.

Friday, Oct. 23

Last day the county can receive a new mail ballot application. If you want a replacement by mail, act now.

Open your mail ballot today.

Don't wait until you're ready to vote. Check it now while there is still time to fix a problem.

If it's damaged, pick the option that fits you:

Can't get to the polls?

A. Replace it from home

  1. Get a new Application for Ballot by Mail, or call the County Clerk for one.
  2. Write on it: "I wish to cancel my previous ballot by mail."
  3. Sign it in ink.
  4. Mail it, or fax or email a photo or scan of the signed form, to the County Clerk's Elections office.

You do not need to return the damaged ballot. Your new ballot will come by mail.

Must be received by Fri., Oct. 23
Can get to the polls?

B. Surrender it and vote in person

  1. Bring the damaged ballot and its envelope to any early voting site or your Election Day polling place.
  2. Tell the election worker you want to surrender your mail ballot.
  3. Fill out the cancellation form there and vote a regular ballot.
Early voting Oct. 19–30 · Election Day Nov. 3
Can you still mark it?

C. Mark it and mail it back

  • If you can still mark your full ballot, do it and mail it back as usual.
  • The county must count a damaged ballot when your choices are clear.
Mail it early. See deadlines below.
Want the county to fix it?

D. Ask for a corrected ballot by mail

  • Call the County Clerk at (409) 835-8475.
  • Ask for a corrected ballot to be mailed to you. The State recommended this method to the county.
Call as soon as possible

Key dates

Fri., Oct. 23New mail ballot application must be received
Oct. 19–30Early voting in person
Tue., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.Election Day. Mail ballots must arrive by 7 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 4, 5 p.m.Late mail ballots count only if postmarked by Election Day and received by 5 p.m.

Need help? Call.

Source: Texas Secretary of State, Elections Division, written guidance of Oct. 17, 2026 (Tex. Elec. Code §§ 84.032, 86.003, 86.009). Not legal advice.