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Early voting begins today, Monday, October 19, for the November 3, 2026, General and Special Elections, with decisions involving school funding, county leadership, property taxes and public services on the ballot across Spring, Conroe, The Woodlands, Porter, New Caney, Aldine and surrounding communities.

For Spring ISD families, one of the biggest local questions is whether to approve a school operating tax rate that the district says would provide an additional $15.5 million in annual funding. Conroe ISD voters will choose trustees for three school board positions, while New Caney ISD has a four-candidate race for an open board seat. Residents served by Aldine ISD will also participate in applicable county, state and federal elections.

Beyond the school districts, Harris and Montgomery County voters will decide separate county judge races and other local contests involving commissioners, property appraisal district boards and special-purpose districts. Those offices help oversee services and government operations that affect neighborhoods throughout the region.

There is also a practical difference residents should know before heading to the polls. Harris and Montgomery counties have different early voting schedules, and Montgomery County requires voters to use their assigned precinct polling place on Election Day rather than any countywide location.

That distinction is particularly important in communities near the county line. A Spring mailing address does not necessarily mean a household is in Harris County, and a family living near Rayford Road or the Grand Parkway may have a different ballot from someone just a few miles away.

What's on the November 3, 2026 Ballot in Spring, Conroe, New Caney and Aldine?

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.

At the county level, Harris and Montgomery residents have separate county judge elections, county commissioner contests and appraisal district board races.

School district boundaries create additional differences.

Spring ISD voters will consider Proposition A, a school funding measure, along with trustee elections for Positions 4 and 5. Conroe ISD has contested trustee elections for Positions 1, 2 and 3. New Caney ISD has a four-candidate contest for Position 2, along with an uncontested Position 1 election.

Other local measures may involve cities, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts or other entities whose boundaries do not necessarily follow school districts or ZIP codes.

Because of those overlapping jurisdictions, residents should review their personalized sample ballots through Harris County Elections or Montgomery County Elections before voting.

Spring ISD Proposition A Would Affect School Funding and Property Taxes

One of the most closely watched education issues in the region is Spring Independent School District's Proposition A.

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees voted August 17 to place the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, commonly called a VATRE, on the November 3 ballot.

Unlike a school bond, which finances capital improvements, Proposition A concerns the district's maintenance and operations budget. That money supports everyday expenses such as teacher and staff compensation, classroom programs, transportation and utilities.

Spring ISD estimates that approval would provide $15.5 million in additional annual operating resources, including $5.6 million in local property tax revenue and $9.9 million in additional state funding.

The district has identified employee compensation, educational programs and ongoing operating costs as priorities for the proposed funding.

How Would Spring ISD Proposition A Affect Property Taxes?

Spring ISD is asking voters to approve a total school property tax rate of $1.1569 per $100 of taxable value.

That is 2 cents higher than the district's previous total rate of $1.1369.

For a home valued at the district's stated average of $248,315 with a homestead exemption, Spring ISD estimates the change would mean approximately $22 more in annual school property taxes compared with the previous year's rate.

However, there is another comparison homeowners should understand.

If voters reject Proposition A, the district's total tax rate would decrease to $1.1069 per $100 of taxable value because five cents in previously authorized disaster-related operating tax revenue would expire.

That makes the difference between approving and rejecting the proposition 5 cents per $100 of taxable value, even though the proposed rate is only 2 cents above the previous year's rate.

Spring ISD says rejection would also mean the district would not receive the estimated $15.5 million in additional local and state funding.

The district's official ballot language states that the measure would generate zero additional maintenance and operations revenue compared with the preceding year. Spring ISD explains that this language reflects a comparison with its previous operating tax rate, while the $15.5 million funding estimate reflects what would be available if voters approve the proposition rather than allow the five cents in disaster-related tax authority to expire.

Actual property tax bills depend on taxable values, exemptions and applicable tax limitations. Homeowners with qualifying age or disability homestead exemptions are generally protected by school property tax ceilings, subject to certain exceptions.

The district provides the ballot language, financial projections and additional explanations at Spring ISD's official Proposition A website.

Spring ISD Voters Will Also Decide a Contested Trustee Race

Spring ISD has trustee positions 4 and 5 scheduled for election November 3.

Position 5: Rhonda Newhouse and Kenneth Williams Jr.

Incumbent Rhonda Newhouse faces challenger Kenneth Williams Jr.

Newhouse joined the board in 2014 through an appointment to fill a vacancy. Her professional background includes work as a teacher, counselor and administrator in Aldine ISD, along with experience in higher education.

Williams has a background in education and community engagement. His candidate materials emphasize leadership, collaboration and student achievement.

The election will determine who represents Position 5 as the district continues addressing academic performance, school finances and student needs.

Position 4: Winford Adams Jr.

Incumbent Winford Adams Jr. is the sole listed candidate for Position 4. Because uncontested trustee positions can be handled differently under Texas election procedures, voters should consult the final official ballot to determine whether the position appears.

Spring ISD's Academic Performance Provides Additional Context

School accountability has also been an important topic for Spring ISD families.

The district received a C rating with a score of 76 in the Texas Education Agency's 2026 accountability results, improving from a D rating and a score of 65 in 2025.

Those results provide context for the district's work on academic improvement, although accountability ratings represent only one measure of district performance.

Spring ISD trustees are responsible for approving budgets, establishing policy, evaluating the superintendent and overseeing the district's long-term direction.

For families weighing the school funding proposal and trustee election, those responsibilities are related but distinct. Proposition A determines tax-rate authority, while the trustee election determines who participates in governing the district.

The Spring ISD 2026 Board Election webpage provides election notices and candidate information.

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Conroe ISD Has Seven Candidates Running for Three Trustee Positions

In Montgomery County, Conroe Independent School District has three contested trustee elections on the November ballot.

Conroe ISD serves Conroe, much of The Woodlands and additional communities in southern Montgomery County. Its seven trustees are elected at-large to four-year terms.

The November contests involve Positions 1, 2 and 3.

Position 1: Aggie Gambino and Ryan Tsamouris

Incumbent Aggie Gambino faces challenger Ryan Tsamouris.

Gambino was appointed to the board in January 2026 following the resignation of trustee Tiffany Nelson. She is a district parent and business owner who has been involved with the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council.

Tsamouris is a Conroe ISD parent with a professional background in information technology. He has served as co-chair of the district's School Health Advisory Council and has developed an independent application intended to improve public access to school board information.

Position 2: Robin Deferrari, Rodney Hammer and Destinee Milton

Three candidates are seeking Position 2, which is currently held by Melissa Dungan. Dungan is not seeking reelection.

Robin Deferrari has a business background and experience volunteering in district parent organizations, including parent-teacher organization leadership.

Rodney Hammer, who also goes by Rod, has experience in accounting and executive leadership in construction-related industries.

Destinee Milton is a former Conroe ISD teacher who worked at Conroe High School's ninth-grade campus and Grand Oaks High School.

The open seat has attracted candidates with different professional backgrounds, including business management, district volunteering and classroom education.

Position 3: Misty Odenweller and Phillip Martin

Incumbent Misty Odenweller faces challenger Phillip Martin.

Odenweller was elected to the board in 2022 and has served as board president. Her tenure has included district discussions about curriculum, library materials and school policies.

Martin is a Conroe ISD parent and school finance professional with experience working with school districts on financial matters.

Why the Conroe ISD Election Matters

The three elections will determine nearly half of Conroe ISD's seven-member board.

Trustees oversee a district serving established neighborhoods and developing communities throughout Montgomery County.

Their responsibilities include school budgets, educational policy, employee and superintendent oversight, facilities planning and long-term district goals.

Recent discussions about district finances, enrollment trends and educational priorities provide context for the upcoming board elections.

Residents can find official notices and candidate filing information through the Conroe ISD Trustee Elections webpage.

New Caney ISD Voters Have a Four-Candidate Race for Position 2

New Caney Independent School District has two trustee positions scheduled for election November 3, but only one is contested.

The district serves families in New Caney, Porter and nearby communities in eastern Montgomery County, including growing neighborhoods along U.S. Highway 59 and the Grand Parkway.

Position 2: Four Candidates Seek an Open Board Seat

Four candidates are running for Position 2:

Chad Turner, Kevin D. Jensen II, Kristina Haggard and Ryan Schurdell.

The position is currently held by Creg Mixon, who is not seeking another term.

Haggard is a New Caney High School graduate and parent who previously ran for a New Caney ISD trustee position. Her campaign materials address district planning, responsible use of resources and support for families.

Schurdell has a professional background in finance and has emphasized district spending transparency, classroom priorities and teacher support in his campaign materials.

Turner and Jensen are also seeking the position. Residents can compare available candidate profiles and information through voter guides and district election resources.

Position 1: Elizabeth Rhoden Harrell Is Unopposed

Board President Elizabeth Rhoden Harrell is seeking reelection to Position 1 without an opponent.

Harrell currently serves as board president, and her existing term expires in 2026.

As with other uncontested local positions, residents should consult the final ballot to determine how the election is presented.

Why New Caney ISD's Election Matters

New Caney ISD serves communities where residential and commercial development has brought changes to school enrollment, transportation needs and infrastructure planning.

Trustees establish district policy, approve annual budgets, set school district tax rates and oversee decisions involving educational programs and facilities.

Those responsibilities are particularly relevant as the district plans for both established neighborhoods and newer developments in the Porter and New Caney areas.

New Caney ISD's election notices cover both Montgomery and Harris counties because portions of the district extend across the county line.

A family living in the Harris County portion of New Caney ISD may participate in the same trustee contest as a Montgomery County family while receiving a different county government ballot.

Residents can review the district's official Board of Trustees Elections page.

Aldine ISD Families Have Different Local Election Considerations

Aldine Independent School District serves a substantial portion of northern Harris County, including neighborhoods around Aldine, Greenspoint and surrounding North Houston communities.

Unlike Spring ISD, Conroe ISD and New Caney ISD, Aldine ISD's most recent regular trustee elections were held in November 2025.

Those elections resulted in Angela Williams, Steve Moore and Nataly Pérez joining the district's Board of Trustees.

No separate Aldine ISD school funding proposition has been confirmed among the November 2026 measures reviewed for this article.

Families served by Aldine ISD will still participate in the federal, state, Harris County and other applicable local contests assigned to their residential addresses.

Aldine ISD trustees continue to make decisions involving district finances, academic programs, staffing, facilities and educational policy through their regular governance responsibilities.

Residents can find board information and election records through the Aldine ISD Board Elections website.

Harris County Judge Election: Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez

For residents registered in Harris County, one of the major local contests is the race for county judge.

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 emphasized 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.

Although the position is called county judge, its primary responsibilities are administrative rather than those of a courtroom judge.

The county judge presides over Commissioners Court, which makes decisions involving county budgets, public health, emergency preparedness, infrastructure-related spending and other government responsibilities.

For homeowners and families living in unincorporated portions of North Harris County, those responsibilities may include decisions affecting local roads, drainage, parks and county services.

Harris County Commissioner Races Depend on Where Residents Live

Harris County commissioner positions in Precincts 2 and 4 are on the November ballot.

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, public safety, healthcare access and county services.

Vega is an Army veteran and pastor whose campaign has emphasized government accountability, infrastructure and support for law enforcement.

Precinct 4: Incumbent Democrat Lesley Briones faces Republican Steve Radack, a former longtime Harris County commissioner.

Briones has emphasized infrastructure improvements, disaster response and public safety. Radack has focused on county spending, fiscal management and his previous experience overseeing county operations.

Only residents of Precincts 2 and 4 will vote in those commissioner contests.

Other northern Harris County neighborhoods may fall within Precinct 1, represented by Rodney Ellis, or Precinct 3, represented by Tom Ramsey. Those commissioner positions are not scheduled for election in November 2026.

County commissioner precinct boundaries do not necessarily follow school district lines, ZIP codes or commonly used community names.

Residents can confirm their representation through their official county election information.

Montgomery County Judge Election: Mark Keough and James Graf

Montgomery County voters have a separate county judge election.

Incumbent Republican Mark Keough faces Democrat James Graf.

Keough has served as Montgomery County judge since January 2019, after previously serving in the Texas House of Representatives.

His campaign has emphasized fiscal management, law enforcement support, emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvements.

Graf has more than four decades of experience in finance and management. His campaign has emphasized long-term financial planning, transparency, infrastructure and preparing county services for continued population growth.

The Montgomery County judge presides over Commissioners Court and works with four county commissioners on county budgets, emergency management and other responsibilities.

For residents in Conroe, The Woodlands, Porter, New Caney and surrounding unincorporated communities, those decisions involve services including roads, public safety, drainage and county facilities.

Montgomery County Commissioner Positions 2 and 4 Are Also on the Ballot

Montgomery County's November election includes commissioner positions in Precincts 2 and 4.

Incumbent Republican Charlie Riley is listed for Precinct 2, while incumbent Republican Matt Gray is listed for Precinct 4.

Neither position has an opposing major-party candidate listed in the certified general election information reviewed.

These are Montgomery County positions and should not be confused with the separate Harris County commissioner races bearing the same precinct numbers.

Only residents of the applicable Montgomery County precincts participate in those elections.

County commissioners help make decisions involving county spending, infrastructure, parks and other public services.

For residents trying to determine which commissioner represents their neighborhood, the county's voter lookup resources provide the most reliable information.

Property Appraisal District Board Elections Also Affect Local Tax Administration

Property taxes are another reason homeowners may want to look beyond the better-known candidate races on the November ballot.

Both Harris and Montgomery counties have appraisal district board elections.

Appraisal districts determine property values used by taxing entities, while elected school boards, county commissioners courts, city councils and other taxing units generally adopt their respective property tax rates.

The distinction matters because appraisal values and tax rates both affect property tax calculations, but they are determined through different government processes.

Montgomery Central Appraisal District

Montgomery County's November ballot includes three at-large director positions on the Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board.

Place 1: Dale Inman and Gary Beck.

Place 2: Frank S. Smith and Creg Mixon.

Place 3: Sherry D. Tavel and Webb Melder.

The board oversees the appraisal district's administration, including its budget and chief appraiser, rather than directly setting property tax rates or individual property values.

Residents can review the county's official November 3 sample ballot.

Harris Central Appraisal District

Harris County voters will also consider three at-large positions on the Harris Central Appraisal District Board.

Place 1: Kathy Blueford-Daniels and Beverly Barrett.

Place 2: Chris Ehlinger, Jourdyn Wilson and Claudio Gutierrez.

Place 3: Cristin Moses, Ericka McCrutcheon and Jesus Nieto.

These elections involve oversight of the appraisal district responsible for property valuation administration in Harris County.

Residents can review the election information through the Harris Central Appraisal District.

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Other Local Propositions May Appear on Individual Ballots

Not every local proposition applies to every Spring, Conroe, New Caney or Aldine resident.

Some households may have elections involving municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, cities or other local entities.

For example, eligible City of Houston voters may see Proposition A, a proposed city charter amendment addressing marijuana enforcement priorities and no-knock search warrants.

That measure applies only to eligible voters within Houston city limits, not every household with a Houston or Spring mailing address.

Montgomery County's election materials also include local contests and propositions involving municipalities, The Woodlands Township and special-purpose districts.

These matters can involve local governing boards, infrastructure funding and other responsibilities that affect only the residents of the respective jurisdictions.

A personalized sample ballot is the most reliable way to identify which additional contests apply.

Why Spring, Conroe, New Caney and Aldine Neighbors May Have Different Ballots

The Harris-Montgomery county line cuts through an area where neighborhoods often share the same major highways, businesses and community destinations.

A Spring mailing address can be located in either county.

Conroe ISD primarily serves Montgomery County, while Spring ISD and Aldine ISD serve Harris County communities. New Caney ISD includes territory in both counties.

The county determines which county judge, commissioner and appraisal district elections appear on a voter's ballot.

School district boundaries determine eligibility for trustee elections and school funding propositions. Municipal and special district boundaries create additional differences.

Most importantly, a registered Harris County voter must use Harris County's election system, while a Montgomery County voter must use Montgomery County's locations.

That distinction also affects Election Day voting procedures.

Where Can Montgomery County Residents Vote Early?

Montgomery County has published early voting locations across Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, New Caney and surrounding communities.

Among the participating locations are:

Central Library, 104 Interstate 45 North, Conroe, with voting in the Large Meeting Room.

George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands, with voting in Meeting Rooms 101 and 102.

Kevin Brady Library and Community Center, 2250 Buckthorne Place, The Woodlands, with voting in the Cathy Brady Ballroom.

Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, 1300 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring, with voting in the Community Center.

East Montgomery County Fair Association Building, 21675A McCleskey Road, New Caney, with voting in the Main Room.

East Montgomery County Community Development Center, 16401 First Street, Suite 100, Splendora, with voting in the Hayden and Dunn Conference Rooms.

The county also has early voting locations in Willis, Magnolia and Montgomery.

Eligible Montgomery County residents may use any participating Montgomery County early voting center during the early voting period.

The full locations and schedules are available through the Montgomery County Elections website.

Montgomery County Election Day Voting Is Precinct-Specific

Montgomery County voters should be especially careful about the difference between early voting and Election Day.

During early voting, residents may use participating centers throughout the county.

On Election Day, however, Montgomery County directs voters to their assigned precinct polling locations.

A voter who uses a particular library or community center during early voting should not assume that location will also be their assigned Election Day polling place.

Residents can use the Montgomery County Elections website to confirm their precinct-specific Election Day location.

The county Elections Department can also be reached at 936-539-7843. 

Where Can Harris County Residents Vote Early?

Harris County is operating more than 70 early voting centers for the November election, with more than 600 vote centers expected to be available on Election Day.

Harris County voters may cast their ballots at any participating county vote center, regardless of the neighborhood or precinct where they live.

That allows someone who lives near Aldine or Spring but works elsewhere in Harris County to vote near their workplace.

Residents can use the official Harris County voting-center locator to search for locations near Aldine, Greenspoint, FM 1960, North Houston and surrounding communities.

The locator also provides estimated wait times when available.

Because locations can change, voters should verify their preferred polling place before leaving home.

Harris and Montgomery Counties Have Different Early Voting Hours

Both counties begin early voting October 19 and conclude October 30, but their schedules are different.

Harris County: Voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 19 through October 24. On Sunday, October 25, hours are noon to 7 p.m. From October 26 through October 30, voting centers operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Montgomery County: Early voting centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 19 through October 23. On Saturday, October 24, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, October 25, hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. From October 26 through October 30, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

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

Important Election Deadlines for Harris and Montgomery County Voters

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

The next major deadline is Friday, October 23, the final day for election officials to receive applications for ballots by mail.

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

Eligible Texans may request mail ballots under qualifying 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 requirements established by law.

For most domestic mailed ballots, the 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. Different rules apply to some military and overseas voters.

Additional information is available through VoteTexas.gov.

What Identification Is Required to Vote in Texas?

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 IDs may qualify to present supporting documents and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

Voters who have an approved ID but forget it may have the option of returning with it or casting a provisional ballot and completing the applicable follow-up requirements.

The Texas Secretary of State's voter ID guidance explains the requirements and available alternatives.

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

Residents reviewing several trustee candidates, county offices and local propositions may find it helpful to prepare their selections before visiting a voting center.

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

Voters should take those materials with them when they leave.

Accessibility, Curbside Voting and Language Assistance

Harris and Montgomery 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 request assistance permitted under state and federal election laws, including accommodations related to disabilities or language access.

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

Montgomery County voters can contact the Montgomery County Elections Department at 936-539-7843. 

Residents who need curbside voting or other assistance can review their county's procedures before visiting a polling location.

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 polling location and surrender it.

If the ballot is unavailable, the voter may be required to cast a provisional ballot under Texas election procedures.

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

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

Montgomery County voters should confirm their designated hand-delivery location through Montgomery County Elections or by calling 936-539-7843. 

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

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

What Happens After November 3?

The Spring ISD election will determine whether the district receives voter authorization for its proposed operating tax rate and associated funding.

Trustee elections in Spring ISD, Conroe ISD and New Caney ISD will determine representation on boards responsible for educational policies, budgets, superintendent oversight and long-term planning.

Harris and Montgomery County voters will also decide county leadership contests, while appraisal district board elections will determine representation on agencies responsible for property valuation administration.

Those decisions involve different government entities, but they can affect many of the same households through school funding, property taxes, public infrastructure and county services.

For residents across Spring, Conroe, The Woodlands, Porter, New Caney and Aldine, reviewing the correct county's sample ballot and voting information is particularly important because district and county boundaries do not always follow familiar neighborhood lines.

Official election information is available through HarrisVotes.com and Montgomery County Elections.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of the November 3 election, school district issues, county leadership and developments affecting Spring, Conroe, The Woodlands, Porter, New Caney, Aldine and surrounding communities.

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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