DEBUNKED: 4 Myths for Texans to Bust Before the May 26 Runoff

You showed up for the primary. Now here’s why the runoffs on May 26 matters just as much — if not more — and what you might be getting wrong about them.

Every election cycle, myths spread quietly through group chats and social feeds — not always out of bad faith, just confusion. But when it comes to runoff elections, that confusion has real consequences. Fewer people vote in runoffs, which means a smaller group of Texans ends up making big decisions for everyone else.

With the May 26 runoffs quickly approaching — and important statewide races still on the ballot — let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: I didn’t vote in the primary, so I’m locked out of the runoff.

Fact: Nope. The runoff is open to any eligible Texas voter.

If you sat out March 4, you can absolutely show up on May 26. There’s no prerequisite. 

There is one rule worth knowing: if you did vote in a primary, you have to vote in that same party’s runoff. So if you cast a ballot in the Republican primary, you vote in the Republican runoff. Same for Democrats. You can’t switch parties between the primary and the runoff.

But if you stayed home in March? You have a clean slate — and a fresh shot to weigh in.

Myth #2: My vote doesn’t matter at this point.

Fact: Your vote in the runoff is 5 times more powerful than it will be in November.

This is actually math. Runoff turnout in Texas is typically a fraction of the people who show up in a general election. That means each individual vote carries significantly more weight. In some of these races, we’re talking about margins decided by a few thousand votes across the whole state.

The candidates who win on May 26 often face little to no competition in November. For many of these offices, the runoff is the election. If you want your voice to count at the highest possible volume, right now is when to use it.

Myth #3: No one is voting in the runoffs — it’s not worth the effort.

Fact: Primary voting was up 26% this year, so now it’s time to race to the runoffs!

The 2026 Texas primary broke records. Voter turnout was up 26% compared to 2024 — a genuine sign that Texans are paying attention and showing up. That momentum is something worth protecting.

Runoffs have historically been the forgotten dressing on the unwanted side salad of election years. Enthusiasm peaks in the primary and then fades before the finish line. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we keep the momentum going, the energy that drove record primary turnout doesn’t have to disappear.

Myth #4: My area doesn’t have any runoffs — this doesn’t apply to me.

Fact: There are multiple statewide races on May 26. Every Texan has a stake.

This isn’t a local-only affair. Five statewide races made it to the runoff — including both sides of the aisle, with both Republican and Democratic contests on the ballot. Wherever you live in Texas, you have something — or multiple somethings — to vote on for offices ranging from Governor and Lieutenant Governor all the way to who sits on the little-known but powerful Railroad Commission. 

Not sure what’s on your runoff ballot? Visit votetexas.gov or your county election office website to see the specific races in your area.

The Bottom Line

Runoff elections are where engaged citizens have their greatest leverage — and where misinformation does some of its quietest damage. The myths above aren’t usually spread maliciously. People genuinely don’t know the rules, or they assume no one else is showing up either.

But now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

The last day to request a mail ballot is May 15. Early voting starts May 18. And Election Day is May 26. Now you have the facts, no matter where, when, or how you’re voting. Show up and make a difference.

— Builders Editorial