Brown County Elections Administrator Brenda Arp has issued a press release which encourages all voters to prepare for the upcoming election day. The 2026 Primary Election will be held on March 3rd, with early voting beginning next Tuesday, February 17, and running through Sunday, February 22.
Arp points out that the wait times for voting may be longer than usual, because of the length of the ballots, which include a high number of candidates running for local offices and Texas state offices, plus several State Propositions. Voters are welcome to get a sample ballot from the Elections Office, 613 North Fisk St., review the candidates and amendments, and decide in advance how to vote. Sample ballots can also be viewed on Brownwoodnews.com. The Republican primary ballot has 31 contested races with 10 Propositions, and the Democratic primary ballot has 9 contested races with 10 Propositions. Arp says that voters can bring with them a written document to assist them in voting, but cell phones will not be allowed.
The relevant press release from the Brown County Elections Office is below.
BROWN COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE
Long Wait Times at Polls Due to Lengthy Ballots and High Number of Candidates
Brown County voters will see longer-than-usual wait times during March 3rd, 2026, Primary Election, largely due to the length of the ballot and an unusually high number of candidates contesting multiple State and Local races and additional Constitutional Amendments.
In the Republican Race there are 31 Contested Races with 10 Amendments and in the Democratic Race there are 9 Contested with 10 Amendments.
Election officials report that the expanded ballot requires additional time for voters to review candidate information and make informed selections, resulting in slower voter turnout at polling stations. In some locations, wait times will extend beyond initial projections, particularly during peak voting hours.
Voters are welcome to come to the Elections Office and get a sample ballot to mark before coming in to vote. Voters are allowed to bring in a written document to assist them, but VOTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THEIR CELL PHONES AT VOTING LOCATIONS.
“We recognize that long lines can be frustrating for voters,” said Brenda Arp, Brown County Elections Administrator. “The large number of candidates on the ballot reflects strong civic engagement, but it also meant voters needed more time in the voting booth. We appreciate the patience shown by members of the public.”
Additional factors contributing to delays included first-time voters seeking assistance and accessibility accommodations, and the need for election workers to provide clear instructions for navigating the longer ballot.
Election Officials will take the necessary steps throughout the day to manage the situation, including deploying additional staff when and where it may be needed, providing line management support, and ensuring voters are informed about expected wait times.
Officials emphasized that all eligible voters who are in line before polling stations close are permitted to cast their ballots, in accordance with election regulations.
Early Voting will be at the Brown County Elections Office at 613 North Fisk St.
Early Voting – February 17th, 2026 – February 20th, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Early Voting – February 23rd, 2026 – February 27th, 2026 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting – February 21st, 2026 (Saturday) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting – February 22nd, 2026 (Sunday) 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Election Day – Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 All Polling Locations Open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
“We remain committed to ensuring a fair, accessible, and transparent election process,” Brenda Arp added. “Feedback from this election will be reviewed to help improve planning and resource allocation for future elections.”
For more information, voters are encourages to contact The Brown County Elections Office at 325-646-4333.