Government

Early voting begins today, Monday, October 19, for the November 3, 2026, General and Special Elections, and for Katy and Fulshear residents, one of the most important things to know before heading to the polls is which county they live in.

The greater Katy area stretches across Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties, while Fulshear is in Fort Bend County. A family living in Cinco Ranch may have a different ballot from someone in Old Katy or Cross Creek Ranch, even when their children attend schools in the same district. The differences include county leadership races, certain local propositions and where residents are eligible to vote.

This year's election includes candidates for U.S. Senate, Texas governor, Congress and other statewide offices, along with local government contests that have direct connections to property taxes, road improvements, drainage, emergency management and public services.

Fort Bend County voters will select a new county judge and consider three positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. Harris County residents have a separate county judge race, while families served by Katy ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD continue to follow school funding and growth issues, even though neither district has a confirmed November bond proposition in the election materials reviewed.

With early voting continuing through October 30, residents have nearly two weeks to choose a voting location. However, Fort Bend and Harris counties have different Sunday voting hours, making it worth checking the details before leaving home.

What's on the November 3, 2026 Ballot in Katy and Fulshear?

The November election includes races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Texas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller and other statewide offices.

Voters will also consider candidates for the Texas Legislature, judicial positions and additional offices determined by their residential addresses.

At the county level, the ballot becomes more localized.

Harris County residents will select a new county judge, while Fort Bend County residents will choose between two candidates seeking to lead Fort Bend County Commissioners Court. Commissioner contests, countywide offices and other local races also vary depending on where a household is located.

Fort Bend County voters will also see three at-large positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, a less-publicized election involving oversight of the agency responsible for appraising property for local tax purposes.

Municipal and special district elections create another distinction. Residents inside Katy or Fulshear city limits do not necessarily have the same local ballot as households living in nearby unincorporated neighborhoods.

The most reliable way to identify every applicable contest is to review an official sample ballot based on the voter's registered address.

Fort Bend County Judge Election: Daniel Wong and Dexter McCoy

One of the major local contests for Fulshear and Fort Bend County portions of Katy is the race for county judge.

Republican Daniel Wong and Democrat Dexter McCoy are competing for the position.

Wong currently serves as Fort Bend County's interim county judge, having assumed the role in April 2026. He previously served on Sugar Land City Council and has emphasized county government accountability, transparency and cooperation among elected officials.

McCoy currently serves as Fort Bend County commissioner for Precinct 4. His campaign has emphasized managing the county's continued growth, transportation infrastructure, affordability and public services.

The county judge is not primarily a courtroom judge. The position presides over Commissioners Court, which makes decisions about county finances, infrastructure projects, emergency preparedness and other government responsibilities.

For families living in developing areas of western Fort Bend County, those responsibilities are closely connected to everyday services.

County decisions can affect road projects, drainage improvements, public facilities and emergency management. The responsibilities of county government also differ depending on whether a neighborhood is inside city limits or in an unincorporated area.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Races Are Also on the Ballot

Fort Bend County commissioner positions in Precincts 2 and 4 are scheduled for election November 3.

In Precinct 2, incumbent Democrat Grady Prestage faces Republican Tony Aranda.

In Precinct 4, Democrat April L. Jones and Republican Ken Mathews are competing for the seat currently held by Dexter McCoy.

Not every Katy or Fulshear resident will see these races. Commissioner precincts are separate from voting precincts, school districts and city boundaries.

Many western Fort Bend County communities are served by Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, whose position is not on the November 2026 ballot.

Residents should check their official precinct assignment before assuming a particular commissioner contest applies to them.

Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Has Three Board Positions on the Ballot

Fort Bend County homeowners will also have an opportunity to vote in elections for three at-large positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.

The November 3 ballot includes Positions 1, 2 and 3.

Position 1 lists Martin John and Shaizad "Sam" Chatriwala. Position 2 lists Muzaffar Vohra and Dayna Druke. Ameer Malik is the sole listed candidate for Position 3.

These are nonpartisan positions elected countywide rather than by individual commissioner precinct.

The appraisal district is responsible for determining property values used by local taxing entities, including school districts, cities, counties and other jurisdictions.

The distinction between property values and tax rates is important for homeowners.

The appraisal district determines taxable property values, while governing bodies such as school boards, city councils and commissioners courts generally adopt the tax rates used to calculate property tax bills.

The appraisal district's board oversees administration of the agency, including its budget and the appointment of its chief appraiser. The board does not directly set individual property values or adopt property tax rates.

The board also has responsibilities involving appointments to the Appraisal Review Board, which hears formal property tax protests.

For homeowners in Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Firethorne and other Fort Bend County neighborhoods, the election offers an opportunity to select representatives involved in overseeing the appraisal system.

Residents can review the candidates and their applicable ballot style through the Fort Bend County November 3 sample ballots.

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Harris County Judge Election: Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez

Katy residents living in Harris County will have a different county judge race.

Democrat Letitia Plummer and Republican Orlando Sanchez are competing to succeed outgoing Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Plummer previously served as an at-large Houston City Council member and has worked as a dentist. Her campaign has focused on healthcare access, storm preparedness and county services.

Sanchez previously served as Harris County treasurer and a Houston City Council member. His campaign has emphasized fiscal management, public safety and government spending.

The Harris County judge presides over Commissioners Court, which oversees major county responsibilities involving budgets, public health, emergency management and infrastructure-related spending.

For residents of unincorporated west Harris County neighborhoods, county decisions can influence road maintenance, drainage infrastructure, parks and other public services.

Harris County Commissioner Races: What Katy and West Houston Voters Should Know

In addition to choosing a new county judge, Harris County voters in Precincts 2 and 4 will elect county commissioners on November 3.

The Precinct 4 contest is particularly relevant to residents in portions of Katy and West Houston, where county decisions involving roads, drainage, parks, public safety and infrastructure affect neighborhoods both inside and outside Houston city limits.

Precinct 4: Lesley Briones and Steve Radack

Incumbent Democrat Lesley Briones faces Republican Steve Radack, a former Harris County commissioner who represented Precinct 3 for more than three decades before retiring in 2020.

Briones was elected Precinct 4 commissioner in 2022. During her tenure, she has emphasized infrastructure improvements, public safety, disaster preparedness and access to county services.

Radack has focused his campaign on county spending, property taxes and fiscal management, drawing on his previous experience overseeing county government and precinct operations.

The Precinct 4 election will determine who represents residents in that precinct on Commissioners Court for the next four years.

Precinct 2: Adrian Garcia and Richard Vega

In Precinct 2, incumbent Democrat Adrian Garcia faces Republican Richard Vega.

Garcia previously served as Harris County sheriff and a Houston police officer. His campaign has emphasized infrastructure investment, public safety, healthcare access and county services.

Vega, an Army veteran and pastor, has focused on government accountability, infrastructure and law enforcement support.

Precinct 2 primarily serves other parts of Harris County, so its commissioner race will not appear on most Katy-area ballots.

Why County Commissioner Elections Matter to Katy Homeowners

Harris County Commissioners Court consists of the county judge and four commissioners, each representing a separate geographic precinct.

Together, they make decisions involving the county budget, property tax rates, infrastructure funding, emergency management and other county services.

For Katy-area residents living in unincorporated Harris County, the commissioner's office can have a particularly direct role in local roads, drainage projects, parks and community facilities.

However, not every neighborhood with a Katy address is located in Precinct 4. County commissioner boundaries do not necessarily follow ZIP codes, city limits or school district boundaries.

Only voters living in Precincts 2 and 4 will have commissioner contests on their November ballots. Residents in Precincts 1 and 3 will not elect their county commissioners this year.

Katy residents can confirm their precinct and review the contests appearing on their ballots through the Harris County sample ballot lookup.

What About Katy ISD's School Board Election?

Katy Independent School District serves families across much of the greater Katy area, including neighborhoods in Harris and Fort Bend counties and portions of Waller County.

Although the district's governance and finances are important to homeowners and families, Katy ISD does not have a regularly scheduled trustee election on November 3, 2026.

The district held its most recent trustee election May 2, 2026, when voters selected representatives for Positions 3, 4 and 5.

According to Katy ISD's certified results, Cicely Taylor won Position 3 with 5,559 votes, Jim Davidson won Position 4 with 4,755 votes, and Nathan Shipley won Position 5 with 5,163 votes.

Katy ISD's next regular trustee election is scheduled for May 1, 2027, when Positions 6 and 7 will be on the ballot for three-year terms.

A separate Katy ISD bond or voter-approval tax rate proposition has not been identified in the official November 3 election materials reviewed.

Why School District Decisions Still Matter to Katy Homeowners

Katy ISD's Board of Trustees oversees the district's budget, educational policies, superintendent and long-term facilities planning.

Those responsibilities affect families in established neighborhoods as well as communities where residential development continues.

School district decisions also matter to homeowners without children enrolled in public schools because school district property taxes make up part of their overall property tax bills.

Residents following Katy ISD's budget, campus planning and other school matters can review district information through the Katy ISD Board of Trustees and Elections website.

Lamar Consolidated ISD Serves Much of Fulshear and Western Fort Bend County

For many Fulshear families, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District is the local public school system.

The district serves Fulshear and portions of Richmond, Rosenberg and western Fort Bend County, including areas where new residential communities continue to develop.

Lamar CISD is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees whose members represent geographic districts. That differs from Katy ISD's at-large school board election structure.

The district's leadership for the 2026-27 school year includes Board President Jacci Hotzel, Vice President George Arroyos and Secretary Vanessa Marsters, who were selected for those officer positions in May.

The board works with Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens on district governance, finances, educational policies and long-term planning.

While Lamar CISD does not have a confirmed school bond proposition or trustee race on the November 3 ballot, the district continues to make decisions about school construction, enrollment growth and long-term planning that affect families throughout Fulshear and western Fort Bend County.

Residents can check the county's final participating-entity notices and personalized sample ballots to determine whether any additional school district measure applies to their address.

Why Lamar CISD's Growth Remains a Local Issue

Fulshear-area neighborhoods, including Cross Creek Ranch and other developing communities along FM 1093, are part of a region where school capacity and residential development remain closely connected.

As homes are built, school districts must plan for enrollment, staffing, transportation, campus facilities and operational costs.

Those decisions are handled through school district budgets, trustee actions and, when applicable, elections specifically called for school bonds or tax-rate measures.

A school district's presence on a family's property tax bill does not mean it automatically has a proposition in every general election.

Residents can follow ongoing district decisions through the Lamar Consolidated ISD website.

Fulshear Voters Have Already Made Decisions About Parks and Public Safety Funding

Although Fulshear residents do not have a regular municipal election scheduled for November 3, voters have considered several important local funding questions over the past two years.

In May 2025, Fulshear voters approved a $13.5 million bond program involving improvements to Primrose Park and the purchase of land for future parks and green space.

The program includes $10.75 million for Primrose Park Phase 3 and $2.75 million for parkland acquisition.

During 2026, the city continued design work on Primrose Park Phase 3 and adjusted its anticipated construction bidding schedule to the fall.

The approved bond program is also reflected in the city's fiscal year 2027 debt-service planning.

Fulshear's May 2026 Sales Tax Reallocation Was Approved

Fulshear voters also approved a local sales tax reallocation in May 2026, redirecting 0.25 percentage points of the city's existing local sales tax from its Type A Economic Development Corporation to the General Fund.

The measure did not increase Fulshear's overall local sales tax rate. Instead, it changed how a portion of existing sales tax revenue is distributed.

City officials identified public safety needs, including police staffing and compensation, among the reasons for pursuing the change.

The city's proposed fiscal year 2027 General Fund budget reflects approximately $6.22 million in sales and use tax revenue, including the additional allocation resulting from the voter-approved change.

General Fund revenue may support police services and other lawful municipal purposes as determined through the city's budget process.

Both the parks bond and the sales tax reallocation have already been approved. Neither is being reconsidered on the November 3 ballot.

For Fulshear residents, these earlier votes provide context for how city officials are addressing public facilities, staffing and infrastructure needs as the community grows.

Fulshear's next regular general election is scheduled for May 1, 2027.

Why Katy and Fulshear Neighbors May Have Different Ballots

The Katy and Fulshear region is a good example of why a residential address matters more than a community name when it comes to elections.

Katy ISD serves portions of multiple counties. Lamar CISD serves a different area within Fort Bend County. Municipal boundaries, county commissioner precincts and special districts add other layers.

A family in Cinco Ranch may vote in Fort Bend County while another family in the greater Katy area votes in Harris County, even if both households are part of Katy ISD.

Similarly, living in Cross Creek Ranch or another Fulshear-area development does not automatically determine which local propositions appear on a ballot.

County lines also determine where residents vote.

A Harris County voter cannot use a Fort Bend County voting center, and a Fort Bend County voter cannot vote at a Harris County polling place.

Residents registered in Waller County must use that county's election resources and voting locations.

Within Harris and Fort Bend counties, eligible voters may use participating countywide voting centers rather than being restricted to a single neighborhood precinct.

Where Can Katy and Fulshear Residents Vote Early?

Fort Bend County has published its November 3 early voting schedule, including locations in Katy, Cinco Ranch, Firethorne and Fulshear.

Among the confirmed locations are:

Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Boulevard, Katy, provides an option for Fort Bend County residents in Cinco Ranch and surrounding neighborhoods.

Fort Bend County ESD No. 4 Administration Building, 33301 FM 1093 Road, Fulshear, is another participating location.

Fulshear Branch Library, 6350 GM Library Road, Fulshear, is available during the regular weekday and Saturday early voting schedule.

Firethorne Clubhouse, 28100 N. Firethorne Road, Katy, is an early voting location for residents in Firethorne and nearby Fort Bend County neighborhoods.

Seven Lakes High School, 9251 S. Fry Road, Katy, and Tompkins High School, 4400 Falcon Landing Boulevard, Katy, are additional participating early voting locations.

Which Katy and Fulshear Locations Are Open Sunday?

Fort Bend County's Sunday early voting schedule is more limited than its weekday and Saturday schedule.

Cinco Ranch Branch Library and the Fort Bend County ESD No. 4 Administration Building are among the locations offering Sunday voting from noon to 6 p.m. on October 25.

Firethorne Clubhouse, Fulshear Branch Library, Seven Lakes High School and Tompkins High School are closed Sunday.

Those locations are scheduled to operate during the regular early voting hours on weekdays and Saturday.

The county's official November 3 early voting schedule provides the complete list of locations and their hours.

For Harris County residents in Katy, the Harris County voting center locator provides participating locations throughout the county, including options near home, work and other destinations.

Residents should verify their preferred location before visiting because voting-center details may change.

Early Voting Hours Are Different in Harris and Fort Bend Counties

Both counties begin early voting October 19 and conclude October 30, but their Sunday schedules differ.

In Harris County, voting centers operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 19 through October 24, noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 26 through October 30.

In Fort Bend County, early voting centers operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 19 through October 24 and October 26 through October 30. Designated Sunday locations are open from noon to 6 p.m. on October 25.

Other Fort Bend County early voting locations are closed Sunday.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polling places in both counties open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters who are already in line when polling places close are permitted to vote.

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Important Election Deadlines for Katy and Fulshear Residents

The voter registration deadline for the November 3 election was Monday, October 5.

The next major deadline is Friday, October 23, the last day election offices may receive applications for ballots by mail.

The application must be received by the deadline, not simply postmarked that day.

Under Texas law, eligible voters may apply for mail ballots if they meet certain requirements, including being age 65 or older on Election Day, having a qualifying disability or illness, expecting to be outside their county during the applicable voting period, expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or meeting other statutory conditions.

For most domestic mailed ballots, the applicable return deadline depends on when the ballot is postmarked and received. Qualifying ballots postmarked by the Election Day deadline may be accepted until 5 p.m. November 4, while additional rules apply to certain military and overseas voters.

Fort Bend County residents can find mail ballot applications and instructions through the Fort Bend County Elections Department. Residents can also utilize the Fort Bend County Elections Hub for additional resources and information.

Harris County residents can use HarrisVotes.com.

What Identification Is Required to Vote?

Texas accepts seven forms of photo identification for in-person voting.

These include a Texas driver's license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas handgun license, U.S. military identification card containing a photograph, U.S. citizenship certificate containing a photograph, and U.S. passport book or card.

Voters ages 18 through 69 may generally use an otherwise acceptable photo ID if it expired no more than four years earlier. Voters age 70 or older may use an otherwise acceptable ID regardless of how long it has been expired.

Residents who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved photo IDs may qualify to provide alternative supporting documentation and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

Voters who recently moved should verify their registration address, particularly in areas near county boundaries.

Additional information about identification requirements is available through VoteTexas.gov.

Can Voters Bring Their Phones or Sample Ballots Into the Voting Booth?

Residents reviewing multiple races may find it useful to prepare a paper copy of their selections before visiting a polling place.

Texas law prohibits using cell phones, tablets and other wireless communication devices inside the room where voting takes place. Recording images or sound is also prohibited within 100 feet of a voting station.

However, handwritten notes and printed sample ballots are permitted in the voting booth.

Voters should take their notes and printed materials with them when they leave.

For residents facing several judicial contests, county offices and other ballot items, reviewing the full ballot beforehand can make the process easier to navigate.

Accessibility, Curbside Voting and Language Assistance

Harris and Fort Bend counties provide accessible voting equipment and accommodations for voters with disabilities.

Curbside voting is available for eligible voters who cannot physically enter a polling location.

Voters may also have access to assistance under applicable state and federal election laws, including assistance for individuals with disabilities or language needs.

Harris County voters can contact the Harris County Clerk's Elections Department at 713-755-6965. 

Fort Bend County voters can contact the Fort Bend County Elections Department at 281-342-3411. 

Residents who need curbside voting or other accommodations can contact their county election office to confirm available procedures before visiting.

What If Someone Received a Mail Ballot but Wants to Vote in Person?

A voter who requested and received a mail ballot but decides to vote in person should bring the mail ballot to the voting center and surrender it.

If the voter no longer possesses the mail ballot, Texas election procedures may allow the person to cast a provisional ballot.

Voters who wish to personally hand-deliver their completed mail ballots must use the designated location in the county where they are registered.

Texas permits personal hand delivery of a completed mail ballot on Election Day during the hours polls are open, subject to identification requirements.

Harris County has designated 1019 Congress Street in downtown Houston for Election Day hand delivery between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Fort Bend County voters should confirm their designated return location with the Fort Bend County Elections Department at 281-342-3411 or through the county's official election website.

Only the voter may personally hand-deliver their own completed mail ballot.

Completed mail ballots cannot be left at ordinary neighborhood early voting centers.

What Happens After November 3?

The election will determine new county leadership in both Harris and Fort Bend counties, along with representation in federal and state offices and other applicable local positions.

In Fort Bend County, the incoming county judge and commissioners will be responsible for decisions involving budgets, public infrastructure and county services during a period of continued residential and commercial development.

The election will also determine the three publicly elected positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, whose oversight responsibilities include administration of the local property appraisal system.

In Harris County, the county judge election will determine leadership of Commissioners Court, with responsibilities that include emergency preparedness, infrastructure-related spending and other countywide services.

Katy ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD will continue making school governance and financial decisions through their respective boards, while future trustee elections and any specifically called funding propositions will be handled separately.

For Katy and Fulshear residents, the most important practical distinction before heading to the polls is knowing which county administers their election and what appears on their individual ballot.

Official election information is available through HarrisVotes.com, the Fort Bend County November 3 Election Information page, and the Fort Bend County sample ballots.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of the November 3 election, Harris and Fort Bend County leadership, Katy ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD and developments affecting Katy, Fulshear and surrounding neighborhoods.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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