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Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

Do Texas voters have to cast votes for unopposed candidates?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
no

There is no law that requires voters to cast a vote in every race – contested or uncontested, according to the Texas Election Code. 

Not marking a vote in one race does not invalidate the entire ballot, the code states.

Unopposed candidates in Texas do not need to receive a specific number of votes to be elected, according to the code. 

Not casting a vote in a contested race where you can only vote for one candidate is called an undervote, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

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