Irving Absentee Ballot Request & Return Rules

Elections and Campaign Finance Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Texas

Voters in Irving, Texas who cannot vote in person may request a ballot by mail (often called absentee ballot or ballot by mail). This guide explains who may apply, how to request and return a mailed ballot, official forms, deadlines, and the offices responsible for administering municipal elections in Irving.

Apply early: mail and processing delays can prevent your ballot from being counted.

How ballot-by-mail works in Irving

Irving municipal elections are administered locally but follow Texas ballot-by-mail rules. Dallas County and the Texas Secretary of State provide the official application and instructions for voters who qualify to vote by mail. Dallas County Ballot by Mail[1] and the Texas Secretary of State explain state eligibility, deadlines, and return options.[2]

Requesting a ballot

To request a ballot by mail, complete the official application (Application for Ballot by Mail). Eligibility is determined under Texas law (age, disability, illness, expected absence, confinement, and other statutory reasons). Submit the completed application to the county early voting clerk or election office by the required deadline described on the official pages cited above.[1]

  • Form: "Application for Ballot by Mail" — available from the county elections office and the Texas Secretary of State site.
  • Deadline: See official pages for the specific election; the state site lists application receipt deadlines and voted-ballot receipt rules.[2]
  • Where to submit: county early voting clerk (mail or in-person) as instructed on the county page.[1]

Returning your voted ballot

Follow the return instructions that accompany your mailed ballot. The ballot packet will include required envelopes and a voter declaration. Return options commonly include mailing the completed ballot, delivering it to the county early voting clerk, or other delivery methods listed by the county. Missing or incorrect signature information can cause a ballot to be rejected; follow the packet instructions carefully.

Penalties & Enforcement

Criminal and civil enforcement for fraudulent use or mishandling of ballots is governed by Texas election law and enforced by county and state authorities. Specific monetary fines and statutory penalties are set in the Texas Election Code or other state statutes; the municipal or county election pages do not list specific fine amounts for local ballot-by-mail violations and instead refer to state enforcement provisions (not specified on the cited pages).[2]

Using someone else's ballot or falsifying a ballot application can carry criminal penalties under state law.
  • Enforcer: Dallas County Elections Administrator and the Texas Secretary of State for state-level investigations; local election officials process and report suspected violations.[1]
  • Appeals and contests: Election contests and reviews follow Texas procedures; time limits and processes are set by state law and are not itemized on the county application page (not specified on the cited pages).[2]
  • Fines/penalties: Not specified on the cited county or municipal pages; consult the Texas Election Code or Secretary of State guidance for statutory penalties.[2]

Applications & Forms

  • Application name: "Application for Ballot by Mail" — available from Dallas County Elections and the Texas Secretary of State.[1]
  • Fee: None required for ballot-by-mail applications unless stated otherwise by the county (none specified on the cited pages).[1]
  • Submission: Mail or deliver to the county early voting clerk as directed on the county site; see the official pages for the applicable deadline for the election you intend to vote in.[1]

FAQ

Who qualifies for a ballot by mail in Irving?
Voters who meet Texas statutory reasons (age, disability, illness, expected absence, confinement, etc.). Check the county or state pages for the full list.[1]
Can someone else deliver my completed ballot?
Delivery rules vary; follow the county instructions that accompany your ballot packet. Some jurisdictions restrict who may return another person's ballot—see the county guidance.[1]
What if my ballot is rejected?
If a ballot is rejected for a missing or mismatched signature, the county will follow its cure process if available; check county instructions and contact the county elections office promptly.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm eligibility under Texas rules and gather required ID or documentation.
  2. Download or request the "Application for Ballot by Mail" from the county elections website and complete it fully.[1]
  3. Submit the application to the county early voting clerk by the deadline listed on the official page.[2]
  4. When you receive your ballot packet, read the instructions, sign the declaration, and return the ballot as directed.
  5. If you have questions or your ballot is delayed, contact the county elections office immediately.
Keep copies of your completed application and any delivery receipts until the election is certified.

Key Takeaways

  • Start the application process early to meet deadlines.
  • Use the official county or state application forms; do not rely on third-party apps.
  • Contact Dallas County Elections or the City Secretary for questions about Irving municipal ballots.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Dallas County Ballot by Mail
  2. [2] Texas Secretary of State - Voting by Mail

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