Government

Early voting begins today, Monday, October 19, for the November 3, 2026, General and Special Elections, giving Richmond and Rosenberg residents their first opportunity to vote in several contests involving Fort Bend County leadership, school district governance and property tax administration.

For families served by Fort Bend ISD, the election includes two contested school board races, including a six-candidate contest for Position 4. Lamar Consolidated ISD families have a different school board election schedule, but will still participate in the federal, state, county and other applicable local elections.

At the county level, voters will select a new Fort Bend County judge, consider commissioner contests in two precincts and elect representatives to the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. These offices have different responsibilities, but their decisions can affect many of the same households through public spending, road projects, drainage, property valuations and services provided throughout Fort Bend County.

Richmond and Rosenberg residents also have several early voting locations close to home, including the Fort Bend County Elections Office, Rosenberg Annex and George Memorial Library. However, not all locations are open Sunday, October 25, making it important to check the county's schedule before heading out.

Fort Bend County has scheduled 38 early voting locations across the county, giving residents additional options beyond Richmond and Rosenberg.

What's on the November 3, 2026 Ballot in Richmond and Rosenberg?

The general 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.

Closer to home, Fort Bend County voters will decide the county judge election and other countywide contests, including the county clerk, district clerk, district attorney and several judicial positions.

County commissioner elections in Precincts 2 and 4 are also scheduled, although those races appear only on the ballots of eligible residents in the respective precincts.

The Fort Bend Central Appraisal District has three at-large board positions on the ballot, giving homeowners another local election to consider.

For residents of Fort Bend ISD, trustee elections for Positions 1, 4 and 5 are scheduled. Lamar CISD follows a different trustee election schedule, so living in one district rather than the other affects which school board contests may appear.

Municipal utility districts and other special-purpose districts may also have local races or propositions, depending on a property's location.

Fort Bend County's Elections Hub provides access to candidate filings, ballot propositions, voting locations and voter registration information. Residents can also review the county's official November 3 sample ballots.

Fort Bend ISD Has Two Contested School Board Races

Fort Bend Independent School District has scheduled trustee elections for Positions 1, 4 and 5 on November 3.

Two positions attracted opposing candidates, while one incumbent filed without an opponent.

The district's seven-member Board of Trustees makes decisions about school budgets, educational programs, district policies, facilities and the superintendent's oversight.

Position 1: Angie Hanan and Pedro Valencia

Incumbent Angie Hanan faces challenger Pedro Valencia for Position 1.

Hanan currently serves as vice president of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees, while Valencia is seeking election to the position.

The race will determine who occupies the seat during a period when district leaders continue addressing finances, student enrollment and educational priorities.

Position 4: Six Candidates Seek One Board Seat

The Position 4 election has attracted the largest field of candidates among the district's three scheduled trustee positions.

Incumbent Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam faces five challengers: Robert Dombrowski, Rob Dominguez, Dan Mathews, Shirisha Mudhireddy and Eric Pursley.

All six candidates are listed in the district's official November 2026 candidate filings.

Residents can review candidate applications, available candidate statements and public forums to learn more about the individuals seeking to represent the district.

Position 5: Addie Heyliger Is Unopposed

Incumbent Addie Heyliger is the only candidate who filed for Position 5.

Heyliger returned to the board through an appointment in September 2025 to fill a vacancy. She previously served on the board after being elected in 2015 and 2018, including a period as board president.

Residents can check their official sample ballots to determine whether the uncontested position appears in the November election.

Fort Bend ISD provides candidate applications, election notices and other materials through its official Board Elections webpage.

Why the Fort Bend ISD Election Matters to Local Families

Fort Bend ISD serves communities across central and eastern Fort Bend County, including portions of the greater Richmond area.

Trustees oversee decisions involving district finances, academic programs, student services, facilities and long-term planning.

Those responsibilities matter to families with students in district schools, but also to homeowners whose property tax bills include Fort Bend ISD taxes.

The school board election comes as Fort Bend ISD continues addressing questions about enrollment patterns, campus utilization, educational performance and financial priorities.

Decisions involving facilities and staffing can affect how district resources are distributed among schools, including campuses in established neighborhoods.

For residents trying to understand what is at stake, the trustee races are about who will participate in making those decisions, rather than a separate authorization for new school bond borrowing.

Lamar CISD Serves Much of Richmond and Rosenberg but Follows a Different Election Schedule

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District serves much of Richmond and Rosenberg, along with communities in Fulshear and other parts of Fort Bend County.

The district has a seven-member Board of Trustees elected from geographic districts. Members serve overlapping four-year terms, with regular trustee elections conducted in May.

Its most recent regular board election was held in May 2025.

The district's 2026-27 board leadership includes President Jacci Hotzel, Vice President George Arroyos and Secretary Vanessa Marsters.

The board works with Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens to oversee educational programs, district budgets, staffing policies and school facilities.

Although Lamar CISD does not have a regular trustee election on the November 3 ballot, district leaders continue making decisions about school construction, enrollment growth and long-term planning that affect Richmond and Rosenberg families.

Why Lamar CISD's Growth Matters in Richmond and Rosenberg

Lamar CISD serves a mix of established communities and developing neighborhoods throughout Fort Bend County.

As new residential developments add households, the district must plan for changing enrollment, classroom capacity, transportation, staffing and the costs of operating its schools.

Those responsibilities extend beyond constructing new campuses. Trustees also determine how district funds are allocated, evaluate educational priorities and oversee the resources needed to maintain existing facilities.

For homeowners, school district growth can raise questions about property taxes and future funding requirements. For families, it can affect campus attendance boundaries, school capacity and travel times.

These issues are handled through district planning and board decisions, along with separate bond or tax-rate elections when such measures are called.

Residents can follow ongoing district decisions through the Lamar CISD website.

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Fort Bend County Judge Election: Daniel Wong and Dexter McCoy

One of the major countywide contests on November 3 is the election for Fort Bend County judge.

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

Wong currently serves as interim Fort Bend County judge, having taken the role in April 2026. He previously served on Sugar Land City Council.

His campaign has emphasized county government accountability, transparency, fiscal oversight and cooperation among county officials.

McCoy currently serves as Fort Bend County commissioner for Precinct 4.

His campaign has emphasized infrastructure improvements, managing continued population growth, affordability and greater transparency in county government.

The circumstances surrounding Wong's interim appointment have been the subject of legal and political disputes. The November election will determine who holds the elected county judge position for the next term.

What Does the Fort Bend County Judge Actually Do?

Despite the title, the county judge's primary responsibilities are not those of a courtroom judge.

The position presides over Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, working with four county commissioners on the county budget, infrastructure decisions, emergency management and public services.

For Richmond and Rosenberg residents, those responsibilities connect to familiar local concerns.

Road improvements, drainage, emergency preparedness, public facilities and county spending all involve government decisions that can affect established neighborhoods and developing communities.

County responsibilities may differ depending on whether a household is located within Richmond or Rosenberg city limits or in an unincorporated part of Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Races Are Also on the November Ballot

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

Precinct 2: Grady Prestage and Tony Aranda

Incumbent Democrat Grady Prestage faces Republican Tony Aranda.

Prestage currently represents Precinct 2 on Commissioners Court, while Aranda is challenging him for the position.

Precinct 4: April L. Jones and Ken Mathews

Democrat April L. Jones and Republican Ken Mathews are competing for the Precinct 4 seat currently held by Dexter McCoy, who is seeking the county judge position.

County commissioners participate in decisions about budgets, transportation, drainage, public facilities and other county responsibilities.

For Richmond and Rosenberg residents, however, the precinct distinction is important.

Some neighborhoods fall within Precinct 1, represented by Commissioner Vincent Morales, while others may be served by different commissioner precincts. Precinct 3 is currently represented by Commissioner Andy Meyers.

The Precinct 1 and Precinct 3 commissioner positions are not scheduled for election this November.

A voting precinct and a county commissioner precinct are not the same thing. Residents should confirm which commissioner represents their address before assuming a particular race appears on their ballot.

Fort Bend County Clerk, District Attorney and Judicial Offices Are Also on the Ballot

The November election includes several county positions that receive less attention than the county judge contest but carry important responsibilities.

The Fort Bend County clerk maintains various official county records and has responsibilities involving county court records, while county election administration is handled through the county's election system.

The district clerk maintains records for district courts and performs administrative duties connected to those courts.

The district attorney represents the state in criminal prosecutions within the office's jurisdiction.

Several district judge, county court at law and justice of the peace positions are also scheduled for election.

These offices do different kinds of work, from handling legal proceedings and maintaining public records to overseeing certain court functions.

Not every judicial contest appears on every ballot. Some races are countywide, while justice of the peace positions and other district-specific contests are limited by jurisdiction.

Fort Bend County's official 2026 offices list identifies the positions scheduled for election.

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

Homeowners across Richmond and Rosenberg will also see elections for three at-large positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.

The November contests include Positions 1, 2 and 3.

Position 1: Martin John and Shaizad "Sam" Chatriwala.

Position 2: Muzaffar Vohra and Dayna Druke.

Position 3: Ameer Malik is the sole listed candidate.

The appraisal district determines property values used by Fort Bend County's taxing entities, including school districts, cities, the county and other jurisdictions.

However, the appraisal district does not determine the property tax rates those entities adopt.

The district's board oversees administration of the appraisal agency, including its budget and the appointment of the chief appraiser. Board members do not personally determine individual property appraisals or decide property tax protests.

For homeowners, that distinction matters.

Property values, exemptions and tax rates all affect annual tax bills, but different government entities are responsible for different parts of that process.

The appraisal district board election concerns oversight of the agency responsible for property valuation administration.

Additional information is available through the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District.

Rosenberg Voters Approved a New Crime Control and Prevention District in May

Richmond and Rosenberg residents should distinguish this November's county and statewide election from municipal decisions made earlier in the year.

On May 2, 2026, Rosenberg residents voted on mayor and City Council contests, proposed charter amendments and a measure to establish a Crime Control and Prevention District.

Voters approved the creation of the Rosenberg Crime Control and Prevention District, with 56.48% of votes cast in favor, according to the city.

The district provides a dedicated source of funding for eligible crime prevention, law enforcement programs, public safety equipment and related initiatives.

Rather than increasing the overall local sales tax rate, the measure reallocates a portion of existing revenue.

The Rosenberg Development Corporation's sales tax allocation was reduced from 0.50% to 0.25%, with the remaining 0.25% allocated to the new Crime Control and Prevention District.

The district is governed by a board appointed by Rosenberg City Council, with spending governed by applicable state law and the district's approved plan.

For Rosenberg residents, the measure changes how a portion of local sales tax revenue supports public safety while leaving the overall sales tax rate unchanged.

The city also conducted a municipal runoff election June 13, following its May election.

These decisions have already been made and are not measures appearing again on the November 3 ballot.

Residents can learn more about the approved funding structure through the city's Crime Control and Prevention District webpage.

What About Richmond City Elections?

Richmond also has its own municipal government and election schedule, separate from Fort Bend County and the surrounding school districts.

City officials oversee responsibilities involving municipal services, local infrastructure, development regulations and other city operations.

However, having a Richmond mailing address does not automatically mean a household is located within Richmond city limits. The same distinction applies to Rosenberg.

Residents in unincorporated neighborhoods may receive certain services through county government or special-purpose districts rather than the city.

The November 3 sample ballot will identify any additional municipal or special district contests for which a resident is eligible.

Why Richmond and Rosenberg Neighbors May Have Different Ballots

Two households can share a Richmond mailing address and still belong to different school districts, municipal jurisdictions or special-purpose districts.

Some neighborhoods are served by Lamar CISD, while others are part of Fort Bend ISD.

Likewise, some residents live within Richmond or Rosenberg city limits, while others live in unincorporated Fort Bend County.

Those boundaries determine which school board races, municipal propositions, county commissioner contests and other local measures appear on a ballot.

Municipal utility districts create another layer of government in portions of Fort Bend County.

Depending on the district, these entities may provide or finance water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure, with governing boards and bond matters sometimes submitted to voters.

A district proposition that applies to one neighborhood may not appear on the ballot of a nearby subdivision.

The county's Elections Hub and sample ballot directory provide the most reliable starting points for identifying the contests associated with a specific address.

Where Can Richmond and Rosenberg Residents Vote Early?

Fort Bend County has scheduled 38 early voting locations countywide for the November 3 election, including several in Richmond and Rosenberg.

Eligible Fort Bend County voters may use any participating early voting center in the county rather than being limited to a single neighborhood location.

Among the county's confirmed locations are:

• Fort Bend County Elections Office, 3730 Bamore Road, Rosenberg, serves as the main early voting location.

• Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, is another participating site.

• Jones Creek Ranch Park, 7741 FM 359 Road, Richmond, provides a voting location for residents on the western side of the Richmond area.

• Lakes of Bella Terra Recreation Center, 11620 W. Torino Reale Drive, Richmond, is also listed as an early voting center.

• George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond, is a participating location during the regular weekday and Saturday early voting periods.

• Richmond Water Maintenance Facility, 110 N. Eighth Street, Richmond, is another confirmed voting location.

Additional participating sites include Bowie Middle School on Plantation Drive and Crockett Middle School on Beechnut Street.

Because Fort Bend County offers countywide voting, residents are not limited to the locations closest to their homes. Those who commute to Sugar Land, Katy or another part of Fort Bend County can also use participating centers elsewhere in the county.

Which Richmond and Rosenberg Locations Are Open Sunday?

Fort Bend County offers Sunday voting at selected locations, but not every early voting center participates.

The Fort Bend County Elections Office, Rosenberg Annex, Jones Creek Ranch Park and Lakes of Bella Terra Recreation Center are among the locations scheduled to open Sunday, October 25, from noon to 6 p.m.

George Memorial Library, the Richmond Water Maintenance Facility, Bowie Middle School and Crockett Middle School are closed Sunday.

Those locations are scheduled to operate during the regular weekday and Saturday early voting periods.

Residents should verify their preferred location before visiting through the county's official November 3 early voting schedule.

Early Voting Hours and Important Election Dates

Fort Bend County's early voting period begins Monday, October 19, and continues through Friday, October 30.

From October 19 through October 24, early voting centers are scheduled to operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On Sunday, October 25, participating Sunday locations will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

From October 26 through October 30, early voting centers will again operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polling locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fort Bend County participates in the countywide polling place program, allowing registered county voters to use any participating county vote center on Election Day as well as during early voting.

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

The voter registration deadline for this election was Monday, October 5.

Residents who have questions about their registration can use the voter lookup tools available through the county's Elections Hub or contact the Fort Bend County Elections Department.

October 23 Is the Deadline to Apply for a Mail Ballot

Friday, October 23, is the final day Fort Bend County may receive applications for ballots by mail for the November 3 election.

The application must arrive by the deadline. Simply placing it in the mail on October 23 is not sufficient.

Under Texas law, eligible residents may request mail ballots under certain circumstances, 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 mail ballots, return deadlines depend 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. Separate rules apply to certain military and overseas voters.

Fort Bend County provides application forms, eligibility information, mailing instructions and ballot return guidance through its official Vote by Mail webpage.

Applications for mail ballots must be signed. Residents submitting applications by fax or email must also meet the state's additional requirement to submit the original signed application within the prescribed period.

What Identification Is Required to Vote?

Texas generally requires voters to present one of seven acceptable forms of photo identification when voting in person.

Those 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.

For voters ages 18 through 69, an otherwise qualifying photo ID may generally be accepted if it expired no more than four years earlier.

Voters age 70 or older may use an otherwise acceptable photo ID regardless of how long it has been expired.

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

Voters who recently moved should verify their registration information before visiting the polls.

Additional information is available through VoteTexas.gov.

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

Residents reviewing multiple school board candidates, county offices and other contests may find it helpful to prepare a paper copy of their selections.

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, voters may bring printed sample ballots or handwritten notes into the voting booth.

Those materials should be taken when the voter leaves.

Fort Bend County's Elections Hub provides access to sample ballots and additional information so residents can review their choices in advance.

Accessibility, Curbside Voting and Language Assistance

Fort Bend County provides accessible voting equipment and accommodations for eligible voters with disabilities.

Curbside voting is available for qualifying residents who cannot physically enter a polling location.

Voters may also request assistance permitted under state and federal law, including disability-related accommodations and language assistance.

The Fort Bend County Elections Department can be reached at 281-342-3411. 

Residents who anticipate needing assistance can contact the department before visiting their preferred location.

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

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

If the voter no longer has the mail ballot, Texas election procedures may permit the voter to cast a provisional ballot.

Residents wishing to personally hand-deliver their completed mail ballot must use the designated location in their county of registration.

Texas permits personal hand delivery on Election Day during the hours polls are open, subject to applicable identification requirements.

Fort Bend County voters should confirm the designated ballot-return location through the county's Vote by Mail webpageor by calling 281-342-3411. 

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

Completed mail ballots cannot simply be left at a neighborhood early voting center.

What Happens After November 3?

The election will determine Fort Bend County leadership, including the county judge and applicable commissioners, along with school board representation in Fort Bend ISD and three at-large positions on the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District Board.

Those elected officials and board members have different responsibilities, but their work intersects with issues residents regularly encounter, including education, property taxes, public infrastructure and government services.

Lamar CISD will continue addressing district planning and operational matters through its existing Board of Trustees, with regular trustee elections conducted according to the district's separate schedule.

Rosenberg will also continue implementing its voter-approved Crime Control and Prevention District, which will use a portion of existing sales tax revenue for eligible public safety purposes.

For Richmond and Rosenberg residents, November's election involves decisions about who will oversee the institutions responsible for services that affect their neighborhoods.

The county's November 3 Elections Hub provides ballot, voter registration and polling location information, while the official early voting schedule lists participating centers and their hours.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of the November 3 election, Fort Bend ISD, Lamar CISD, county government and developments affecting Richmond, Rosenberg and surrounding Fort Bend County 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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