More than 2.5 million Texans have already cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 election, with 125,472 of the county’s 2.7 million people opting to vote in person on Oct. 21, the first day of early voting. While that didn’t break any records (128,000 people voted early in person in 2020), election officials expect turnout to be peak.
Texas has seen an early voting increase of 11.6% over 2020 and a 114% increase over 2016. Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth expects 70% of voters to cast a ballot early for this election.
“The first several days of early voting often see the highest traffic before it levels off later in the week,” said Hudspeth. “The daily average of voters usually increases again in the final days of early voting’.’
Over the past two decades, voters have trended toward casting their ballots during early voting or by mail. The large increase in early voting here in Texas is likely due to a significant increase in registered voters residing in the state. Texas’ current total of 18,623,931 voters represents a 10% increase from four years ago when the state had just under 17 million voters.
Harris County wasn’t the only place where early voting numbers were up. In Fort Bend, more than 30,000 voted on the first day, nearly double the first-day voters of 2020. Montgomery County saw 16,545 day-one voters, a more than 6,000 voter increase over 2020.
“Life is unpredictable. Voting early ensures that voters have adequate time to vote and reduces a little bit of the congestion on Election Day,” Hudspeth said.
Enthusiasm in a high-stakes election
With crucial local elections on the horizon, Houston-area voters are heading to the polls early, eager to have their say on key issues that will shape their city’s future.
For many, early voting provides a chance to avoid long lines on Election Day, while others are motivated by the desire to ensure their voice is heard in a rapidly growing and changing city.
“I know that my voice is my vote, so I wanted to make sure I was among the first to let my voice be heard,” said Candace Blue.
“A year ago, my dad was battling a late staged cancer, today, he’s cancer free and was able to early vote with me,” said Fort Bend voter Ashley Hicks. “We thank God for His grace!”
Voters say the average wait time is one and a half hours.
Check out our Early Voters Gallery
Everything you need to know
What if…
My name isn’t on the voter registration list?
If you know you’ve registered, but are told your name isn’t there, ask to cast a provisional ballot.
I don’t have a photo ID.
You’ll need one of seven types of valid photo ID to vote in Texas: A state driver’s license, issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety; a Texas election identification certificate, issued by DPS; a Texas personal identification card issued, by DPS; a Texas license to carry a handgun issued, by DPS; a U.S. military ID card with a personal photo; a U.S. citizenship certificate with a personal photo; a U.S. passport. If you don’t have an approved photo ID, you can still vote by signing a “reasonable impediment” form and presenting valid supporting identification documents, such as a birth certificate, your voter registration certificate or a current utility bill with your name and address.
The address on my photo ID doesn’t match my current address?
If you’re using a state ID or driver’s license, the address listed there does not have to match your current address.
My voter status says “in suspense?”
That usually means that officials are not sure of your address. But you may still be able to vote by filling out a “statement of residence” at the polls.If you moved and didn’t update your address by the Oct. 7 voter registration deadline, you may be able to vote at your previous polling location if it is within the same county or political subdivision or vote on a limited ballot.
Someone is trying to intimidate me at the polls?
Voters have the right to cast their ballots in secret and should not be subject to intimidation.
I’m confused about how to vote.
Voters are entitled to get written instructions about how to cast a ballot or to ask a polling place officer or worker (but not about who or what to vote for).
I’m concerned I will make a mistake on my ballot?
You have the right to get up to two additional ballots to make corrections. The incorrect ballots will be spoiled and not counted. Always review your ballot.
Can I take a photo of my ballot or a selfie of me voting?
Cell phones, cameras, computers, and other devices that can record sound or images cannot be used within 100 feet of voting stations (where ballots are marked). Election officers may require voters to deactivate their phones once inside the polling location.
My job is tripping about me going to vote?
Texas law says voters have the right to vote during work hours without being penalized or losing pay, but this may not apply if a worker has two hours before or after work to go vote.
Can I wear my T-shirt in support of my candidate?
No. Campaigning is forbidden within 100 feet of a voting station, which means voters cannot wear clothing or other items that publicize candidates, political parties, or measures, even if they are not currently on the ballot.
Can I take my notes inside while I vote?
Voters are allowed to use written notes to cast their ballot at the discretion of election officers, who may determine if the material counts as campaigning.
Can I get to the poll at 6:59pm?
Yes. On Election Day, voters have the right to cast their ballot as long as they’re in line by 7 p.m.
I want to vote somewhere other than near my residence.
During early voting, voters can cast ballots at any polling location in the county where they are registered to vote. On Election Day, some counties may require you to vote at a location specific to your address (precinct) , which can be found on your voter registration certificate or by checking your registration online.
I am disabled.
Voters with disabilities can get interpretation, assistance or accommodations to vote.
If I am having trouble at the polls?
If you run into trouble while voting, you can contact your county elections official, the secretary of state’s office at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) or voter-protection hotlines from a coalition of voting rights groups at 866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683).
I need a ride.
METRO will be providing free rides to the poll. The rideshare companies Uber and Lyft will be providing discounts of 50% (or up to $10) on Election Day. To get the discount, voters can use Uber’s in-app “Go Vote” feature or preload the code “VOTE24” on Lyft’s app. Read more details from Uber and Lyft.
I need to mail in my ballot.
Make sure it is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by your county by 5 p.m. Wed., Nov. 6 in order to be counted.
I requested a mail-in ballot but now want to vote in person?
You can do this in the county where you’re registered to vote. The process will be more streamlined if you bring your mail-in ballot with you to your polling place so you can surrender it before casting your vote. If you don’t have your ballot or never received it, you can still cast a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted once the county determines it never received your mail-in ballot.
I want to vote curbside?
Curbside voting is only available to voters who were looking to vote by mail because of a sickness or disability and have requested a representative who submitted an application in person on your behalf. The application must be received by your county’s early voting clerk before 5 p.m. on Election Day, and your ballot must be returned by the same designated representative before 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
What’s on the ballot?
This election cycle is crucial, as voters will choose the next President and vice president of the United States. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested, determining the membership of the 119th U.S. Congress. There are also 11 state governorships and 85 of 99 legislative chambers will hold regular legislative elections, along with other local and special elections.
In Texas and Houston, voters will weigh in on the U.S. Senate race, now a tussle between incumbent Ted Cruz (Sen. R-TX) and Rep. Colin Allred (Rep. D-TX 32nd District), as well as the race for the House District 18 that was left vacant after the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. For this, there are two races on the ballot: one to finish her term until January, in which Jackson Lee’s daughter Erica Lee Carter is running, and the other to take it over for at least the next two-year term, between former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Lana Centonze. Countywide, voters are being asked to select a new district attorney and a new tax assessor-collector, as well as county commissioners and a county attorney. Also, a property tax election aimed at providing the Harris County Flood Control District with an additional $100 million annually for drainage maintenance is being held countywide.
Voters should expect to see between 50 and 70 contests on their ballot.
The HISD $4.4 billion bond proposal is also on the ballot, which has two bond items: Prop A, which asks for $3.96 billion for infrastructure, renovations, school safety, and security, and Prop B, which asks for $440 million for technology.
DATES TO NOTE
Fri, Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail
Fri., Nov. 1: Last day of early voting in person
Tues., Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballots by mail
