Going to college out of state? Here’s how to vote by mail in Collin County

By / September 22, 2026

If you’re registered to vote in Collin County but you’ll be away at college during the November election, you may be able to vote by mail.

Texas has a few specific rules for mail ballots, so it helps to take care of the process early. Here’s what Collin County college students need to know for the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Step 1: Check your voter registration

Before you request a ballot, make sure you’re registered to vote in Collin County.

      • Use the Texas Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal to check your registration status and make sure your information is correct.
      • Voter registration deadline: October 5, 2026
      • If you aren’t registered by that deadline, you won’t be able to vote in the November 3 election.

Step 2: Request a ballot by mail

Texas calls the form an Application for a Ballot by Mail, or ABBM. You can find it on the Collin County Elections website under Absentee and By-Mail Voting.

For a student attending college outside Collin County, look for the section asking why you are requesting a mail ballot and select:

      • Expected Absence from the County
      • To qualify under this reason, you must expect to be outside Collin County during the time early voting is taking place and on Election Day.
      • You’ll also need to give Collin County the address where you want your ballot mailed. If you’re applying because you’ll be out of the county, that mailing address must be outside Collin County.
      • Be sure to sign the application. Collin County requires an original signature; an electronic signature isn’t accepted.

Step 3: Don’t miss the ID section

This is one of the most important parts of the process. Texas requires you to provide identifying information on both:

      • your Application for a Ballot by Mail, and
      • the carrier envelope you use to return your completed ballot.

You’ll be asked for a Texas Driver License, Texas Personal ID or Election Identification Certificate number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The number needs to match a number associated with your voter registration record.

Not sure which number is on your voter record?

You are allowed to provide both your Texas ID/DL number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

That’s a good option if you’re unsure which number is connected to your registration. Only one needs to match.

And remember: you’ll need to provide the ID information again on the carrier envelope when you return your actual ballot.

Step 4: Send in Your Application

You can mail your completed application to:

Collin County Early Voting Clerk
2010 Redbud Blvd., Suite 102
McKinney, TX 75069

Collin County also accepts a signed, scanned application by email at: absenteemailballoting@collincountytx.gov

Or by fax at: 972-547-1996

But there’s an extra step if you email or fax it.

You must also mail the original signed application to Collin County. The Elections Office must receive that original within four business days after the emailed or faxed application is received.

So if possible, don’t wait until the deadline to start this process.

Step 5: Watch the Deadlines

Here are the dates college students should know for the November 3, 2026 election:

      • October 5: Last day to register to vote
      • October 23: Last day for Collin County to receive your Application for a Ballot by Mail. That means simply putting it in the mail on October 23 is not enough.
      • November 3: Election Day

Your completed mail ballot should be received by Collin County by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For ballots mailed within the United States, there is a limited exception: a ballot may still be counted if it is properly postmarked by 7 p.m. on November 3 and received by Collin County by 5 p.m. on November 4.

The safest approach is simple: once your ballot arrives, vote it and mail it back. Don’t make Election Day your mailing day.

Before You Mail Your Ballot Back

When your ballot arrives, follow the instructions included with it carefully.

      • One thing worth checking twice: the ID section on the carrier envelope.
      • Just like on your application, you’ll need to provide the required identifying number. If you’re unsure which number is associated with your voter registration, you can provide both your Texas ID/DL number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
      • Then sign the carrier envelope and get it in the mail.

The Bottom Line

Voting from college takes a little more planning, but the process is manageable once you know the steps:

Check your registration. Apply for your ballot. Double-check your ID information. Mail your ballot back early.

If you have questions about your application or ballot, contact Collin County Elections at 972-547-1990 rather than guessing.

Collin County Votes is a nonpartisan voter education initiative focused on helping voters understand when, where and how to participate in elections.

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