DALLAS — The early voting period for the March 1 primary election in Texas is underway. The primary election gives voters the decision on which democrats and republicans will receive their parties nomination for public offices come the general election in November.
The procedures for primaries may vary from state to state but Texas holds what is called an “Open Primary.” Some viewers asked questions about what that means when it comes to registration and limits on which party’s ballot you will see at the polling place.
THE QUESTION
“Is it true voters have to choose a party affiliation and there will only be one party’s candidate on the ballot?”
OUR SOURCES
Texas Election Code
THE ANSWER
Yes, you will only see one party’s candidates on your primary ballot.
WHAT WE FOUND
Under Chapter 162.003 of the Texas Election Code, it says “a registered voter is not required to pre-register or take any steps towards affiliating themselves with a party before voting in a party’s primary.” So long as you are registered to vote, you do not need to be registered with a specific party. However, you will have to choose a specific party’s ballot before you enter the voting booth. Chapter 162.012 states “a voter cannot vote in both primary elections, or the primary election of one party and the runoff election of another party.”