In Texas, write‑in candidates play an important role in ensuring voters have choices beyond the names printed on the ballot. For the 2026 General Election in DeWitt County, Pat Trevino has qualified as an official certified write‑in candidate for DeWitt County Judge. Because she is running as a write‑in, her name will not appear on the ballot, but voters who wish to support her may do so by writing her name in the designated space.
Your Primary Vote Does Not Limit Your General Election Choice
Texas election law allows voters to choose any eligible candidate in the general election, regardless of which party’s primary they participated in earlier in the year.
That means:
- If you voted Republican in the primary, you may still vote for a certified write‑in candidate in November.
- If you voted Democrat in the primary, you may also vote for a certified write‑in candidate in November.
- If you did not vote in the primary at all, you are still fully eligible to vote in the general election.
Your primary ballot does not lock you into supporting the same candidate or party in November. The general election is a fresh choice for every voter.
How Write‑In Voting Works at the Polls
When you enter the voting booth, you will see the race for DeWitt County Judge listed on the ballot. Because Pat Trevino is a certified write‑in candidate, her name will not be printed there. Instead, you will see a space labeled “Write‑In” or an option on the voting machine that allows you to enter a name.
If you choose to cast a write‑in vote, you must:
- Select the write‑in option for the DeWitt County Judge race.
- Manually type or write the candidate’s name exactly as required.
- Election workers are allowed to explain the process, show you where the write‑in option is located, and assist with the mechanics of entering a name if you request help. They cannot tell you who to vote for, but they can help you navigate the machine.
What Name Must Be Written
To cast a valid write‑in vote for this race, voters must write:
Pat Trevino – DeWitt County Judge
Spelling must be reasonably correct so election officials can clearly determine voter intent.
Why Write‑In Candidates Matter
Write‑in candidacies exist to ensure that voters are never limited to a single printed choice. When only one candidate files for a local office, Texas law allows another qualified resident to step forward as a write‑in so the community has a voice and a genuine option. This keeps elections competitive, encourages civic participation, and ensures that voters—not circumstances—decide who leads their county.
If You Need Help at the Polls
Texas law allows voters to ask for assistance inside the polling place. If you are unsure how to access the write‑in option on the voting machine, you may ask an election worker to guide you through the steps. They cannot influence your vote, but they can help you understand the mechanics of entering a write‑in name.