Types of Primary Elections

States use different primary systems, including: Open primaries: Voters choose which party’s primary to vote in, regardless of party affiliation Closed primaries: Voters must be registered with a party to participate Multi-party primaries: All candidates appear on one ballot and top vote-getters advance Texas uses open primaries, meaning voters may choose one party’s primary to vote in but may only vote in one party’s primary per election cycle. If no candidate receives the required number of votes, a runoff election is held.

Why Primary Elections Matter?

Primary elections often have lower turnout than general elections, but their impact can be just as significant. In many races,especially local offices or districts dominated by one party, the primary winner often goes on to win the general election. Primaries: Decide which candidates advance to the general election Influence which names appear on the November ballot Give voters a voice earlier in the election process Voting in a primary allows voters to compare candidates’ experience, leadership, and priorities before the general election. Participation in primaries helps strengthen representation, increase accountability, and ensure voters have a meaningful role in shaping their choices.

Primaries and Midterm Elections

Midterm elections occur halfway through a president’s term and include races for Congress, state offices, courts, and local government. Primary elections are the first step in all of these races. The candidates chosen in the primaries become the nominees voters see on the general election ballot.

The LWVH Voter Field Guide

Our Voter Field Guide helps explain the roles of elected offices that appear on Harris County ballots. Each section breaks down what an office does, which courts or services it oversees, and why it matters to voters—so you can make informed choices before Election Day.

Understand Elected Offices

What each office does, explained clearly.

Know What’s on Your Ballot

Why these roles matter when you vote.

How Government Works

Courts, services, and responsibilities, at a glance.

Types of Primary Elections
States use different primary systems, including:

Open primaries: Voters choose which party’s primary to vote in, regardless of party affiliation
Closed primaries: Voters must be registered with a party to participate
Multi-party primaries: All candidates appear on one ballot and top vote-getters advance

Texas uses open primaries, meaning voters may choose one party’s primary to vote in but may only vote in one party’s primary per election cycle. If no candidate receives the required number of votes, a runoff election is held.
Why Primary Elections Matter?
Primary elections often have lower turnout than general elections, but their impact can be just as significant. In many races,especially local offices or districts dominated by one party, the primary winner often goes on to win the general election.

Primaries:

Decide which candidates advance to the general election
Influence which names appear on the November ballot
Give voters a voice earlier in the election process

Voting in a primary allows voters to compare candidates’ experience, leadership, and priorities before the general election. Participation in primaries helps strengthen representation, increase accountability, and ensure voters have a meaningful role in shaping their choices.
Primaries and Midterm Elections
Midterm elections occur halfway through a president’s term and include races for Congress, state offices, courts, and local government. Primary elections are the first step in all of these races. The candidates chosen in the primaries become the nominees voters see on the general election ballot.

County Clerk's Role
Term: Elected, four-year term.
They maintain records for the Commissioners Court, probate courts, and county civil courts, record vital documents like property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, and birth and death certificates, and serve as the election administration for Harris County.
What Does the County Clerk Do?
Maintains vital records such as Marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, Property deeds and liens
Keeps official records for business names and assumed name filings
Processes probate, guardianship, and estate matters
Serves as clerk for: Commissioners Court, Probate Courts, & County Courts at Law
Oversees election administration; voter registration responsibilities were transferred to the Tax Assessor-Collector by state law (Senate Bill 1750, 88th Legislature, 2023; Texas Election Code § 31.050).

The County Clerk focuses on county services and local court administration, separate from the District Clerk’s state-level court work. The Harris County Clerk’s Office no longer handles voter registration because state law (Senate Bill 1750, 88th Legislature, 2023; Texas Election Code § 31.050) gives the Tax Assessor‑Collector that responsibility.

District Clerk's Role
Term: Elected, four-year term.
They serve as the official recordkeeper for Harris County’s district courts. The office maintains court records, manages funds paid into the court registry, supports the jury system, and ensures court documents are accurate, secure, and accessible.
What Does the District Clerk Do?
Maintains official records for district court cases (criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and specialty courts)
Accepts and files court paperwork and legal documents
Issues certified copies of court records and orders
Safely stores trial evidence and historic court documents
Manages jury summons and jury service
Collects court fees, fines, and funds held by the court (including child support and civil case deposits)
Accepts passport applications at designated locations
Oversees technology systems that support court access and services

Many people know the District Clerk because of jury duty, but the office supports the daily operations of more than 90 district courts behind the scenes.