A special election will be held on November 4, 2025, in the Texas 18 congressional district to fill the vacancy left by the passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner in March of 2025. This election is extremely important and is one that is fraught with chaos.

First a bit of background. Upon the death of U.S. Representative Turner, Governor Greg Abbott and the Republican majority in the Texas Legislature combined with pressure from President Donald Trump orchestrated a system of political manoeuvres. In creating a delay of almost 8 months to hold a special election in District 18 to enacting overtly partisan gerrymandering across the state of Texas – both actions have had a direct effect on the voters within the district.

The delay in holding the special election allowed Republican leaders in Congress leeway to control their majority and furthering its radical agenda. The gerrymandering created new district lines moving Democratic voters in a manner that created Republican majorities – thus diluting the Democratic vote and the potential loss of Democratic seats in Congress in the 2026 mid-term elections. Congressional District 9 is a glaring example of what has happened.

But the chaos surrounding this special election goes even further. Due to the rules governing special elections in Texas, all candidates from all parties run for the seat with more than 50% of the vote to win outright. With 16 candidates from 4 political parties in the running - a clear winner is not expected thus forcing a run-off election to be held in mid-to late January. Confused and befuddled? Join the crowd!

New York Times reporter J. David Goodman in his recent piece – https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/us/politics/texas-redistricting-houston.html – hits the proverbial nail on the head with this excerpt.

The bang-your-head-against-the-wall part for voters, candidates and election officials is that Mr. Turner’s replacement will serve the constituents of the old 18th district. Right after voters select that representative, they will have to return to the polls in March for the 2026 midterm election primary — using the completely redrawn congressional map.

Although Texas District 18 should remain Democratic, the redrawing of the lines in District 9 has caused the potential loss of a once solid Democratic district now represented by U.S. Representative Al Green. As explained in the New York Times article this presents another set of issues.

All that aside, we must not become disheartened or feel defeated by the obstacles being placed before us. This grab for power and the disenfranchisement of voters – mainly Black and Hispanic according to voting rights groups and Democrats – must be met with strong voter turnout and active voter registration and candidate canvassing especially in districts such as District 9.

We must field and put forth strong, energetic Democratic candidates promoting innovative ideas and approaches to winning over voters across the political spectrum. We must message that governance be just and in the best interests of society as a whole and not of benefit to only the powerful and the few.

The way we do this is to vote, every one of us. No excuses, no punting the responsibility to others.

The state of Texas does not make voting easy, especially for those overseas. Click on the links for information on how to register to vote and obtain a ballot for the upcoming election. Time is running out. Listed below are the timelines for registration and ballot return for both citizens living in the U.S. and those living abroad.

Encourage everyone you know who is eligible to vote in the Congressional District 18 special election as well as any future elections to register to vote. Do not forget to have them check to make certain that their registration is complete and that they are on the voter rolls. Recent reporting has discovered that many voters’ registrations are not being processed in a timely manner. Everyone must be vigilant and prepared to cast a provisional ballot if necessary.

DEADLINES

·       Register: Email ok
Received by Friday, Oct 24

o   Because Texas has to be confusing – overseas voters in TX-18 will get this federal ballot if they register by Oct 24. 

o   BUT, if any TX voter is registering to vote as “intend to return” and wants to get a ballot with any state/local elections (if there are any), the deadline is Oct 6.

·       Request Ballot: Email ok

Received by Friday, Oct 24

·       Return Ballot: Mail only (most voters)

o   Mailed within US: Received by Tues, Nov 4, 7 pm

o   Mailed from outside US: 

§  Postmarked by Tues, Nov 4 AND

§  Received by Monday, Nov 10

o   Military & Families in hostile zones only - Fax available:

§  Received by Tues, Nov 4, 7 pm

For detailed help on how to register and vote click on the link below.

https://www.votefromabroad.org/

Excellent resource article on how to register, vote and protect your rights at the polls in Texas.

https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/22/texas-november-election-voter-rights-guide/

Susan M. Cashin has lived in South Africa since 2009. She is a freelance journalist from Austin, Texas and a certified sommelier. A feminist foodie, she has written for Austin Woman Magazine and Edible Austin along with other regional publications – covering everything from personal profiles to politics to finding a great Pinot Noir. As a past Democratic precinct block captain for 15 years in Austin, she is a get-out-the-vote gal!