A new report from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center reveals that the vast majority of Harris County voters were pleased with their experience during the November 2024 election, with support crossing party lines.
Here are some key findings from the report:
Voting experience
- 65% – excellent
- 30% – good
- 5% – fair
- 0% – poor
Election operations
- 62% – very well run
- 32% – somewhat well run
- 6% – poorly run
In the past, Harris County’s election process was at times problematic. Not anymore.
Under the current leadership of Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, elections in Harris County have been very well run in the eyes of voters.
Michael Adams
“Under the current leadership of Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, elections in Harris County have been very well run in the eyes of voters,” said Dr. Michael O. Adams, founding director of the center. “A substantial majority of Democrats and Republicans reported an excellent voting experience last fall.”
Why some didn’t vote
Despite having the most registered voters and the most votes cast in Texas during the November 2024 general election, only 1,567,610 of the 2,664,202 Harris County registered voters (58.8%) turned out to vote.
Among registered voters who did not cast a ballot:
- 45% didn’t like any of the candidates
- 42% felt their vote didn’t matter
- 33% were worried their vote wouldn’t be counted
- 5% lacked an acceptable photo ID, and cited it as the main reason they didn’t vote
Non-voter profile:
- 91% had a Texas driver’s license
- 40% had a U.S. passport
Voter engagement & campaign activity
- 88% of voters and 66% of non-voters received election-related communication (mainly text messages)
Attended campaign and election events
- 10% virtual
- 8% in-person
Celebrity influence? Not much
The October 2024 Houston rally featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and Beyoncé had minimal influence:
- 91% of voters and 82% of non-voters said the rally had no effect on their decision to vote
