Early voting starts March 18 for Houston City Council District C special election filling council vacancy
Early voting schedule set ahead of April 4 election
Early voting for Houston’s City Council District C special election begins Wednesday, March 18, with voters choosing a council member to serve the remainder of the current term through January 1, 2028. Election Day is Saturday, April 4.
The City of Houston’s election information page lists early voting by personal appearance running from March 18 through March 31. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most days, with Sunday hours scheduled from noon to 7 p.m. on March 22 and March 29.
What’s on the ballot and why the election is being held
The special election is being conducted to fill a vacancy in the District C council seat. District C covers parts of central and near-west Houston, including neighborhoods such as the Heights and areas around Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Park, and it is one of Houston’s 11 single-member council districts.
Because the election is for the remainder of an unexpired term, the winner will hold office only until the current term ends on January 1, 2028, rather than a full four-year term.
Candidate field: seven names listed in ballot position order
The city’s District C election page lists seven candidates in ballot position order:
- Angelica Luna Kaufman
- Sophia Campos
- Audrey Nath
- Laura C. Gallier
- Patrick Oathout
- Joe Panzarella
- Nick Hellyar
The ballot order was set after a drawing held February 3 at City Hall Annex, as outlined in the city’s election materials.
Key dates and filing requirements
Candidate filing for the special election closed February 2 at 5 p.m. Election materials also outline two paths for ballot access: payment of a filing fee or submission of a petition in lieu of the fee. The filing fee for the District C seat is listed as $500.
The city’s election packet also sets the minimum number of valid signatures required for a petition in lieu of the filing fee at 189. Signatures must be from registered voters eligible to vote in the territory represented by District C.
Election Day: Saturday, April 4, 2026. Early voting: March 18–31, with most days scheduled 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
What voters should prepare now
Voters who want to cast a ballot before Election Day can plan around the two Sunday voting windows and the weekday schedule. Those choosing to vote on April 4 should verify their registration status and confirm voting locations and any county-specific administration details in advance, particularly because Houston municipal elections can involve voters across multiple counties depending on address within city limits.