Texas Early Voting Breaks Records
Polling Station sign took on July 4, 2024.
Early voting for the 2024 general election began in Texas this past Monday, and what was expected to be a gradual increase in participation quickly turned into a massive wave of voters heading to the polls. Across the state, from cities like Dallas and Houston to rural counties tucked away in West Texas, residents are making their voices heard in record numbers. By mid-week, local election officials were already reporting historically high turnouts, with the numbers from just the first few days of early voting surpassing expectations.
In Texas, a state that has long been considered a Republican stronghold but has increasingly seen a competitive political landscape, voters from both sides of the aisle are mobilizing. Republican voters are eager to preserve Texas's conservative legacy, while Democrats are hopeful for a shifting political dynamic. Independents and swing voters, too, are coming out in large numbers, recognizing that the decisions made in this election will have a lasting impact on their communities and the country at large. Texas has long been viewed as a reliably red state, but recent elections have shown that the political landscape here is changing. In 2020, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden came closer to winning Texas than any Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976. This year, there is a unique sense of urgency on both sides. For many voters, the stakes feel incredibly high, and the record-breaking early voting turnout reflects that sentiment. Texans are keenly aware that their votes could determine not just the future of their state but also the trajectory of the nation as a whole.
Over 843,130 Texans voted on the first day of early voting. In Travis and Williamson Counties, over 45,000 voters cast their ballots on the first day alone, outpacing previous elections. Similarly, Bexar County officials reported a significant rise in both in-person voting and mail-in ballot requests. Smith County saw its highest-ever first-day turnout, with over 5,000 voters showing up. Election officials across the state are working to ensure that polling sites are efficiently run to accommodate the influx of voters. With weeks left in the early voting period, Texas is on track to set new participation records. People are feeling a sense of urgency about the 2024 presidential election, and it’s showing in how they’re showing up to vote early in record numbers. Whether it’s concerns about the economy and the cost of living, or issues like reproductive rights and healthcare, people are voting to protect their families, their values, and their livelihoods. For some, it’s about safeguarding democracy itself, especially after years of debate over election integrity and voting rights. There’s a feeling in the air that this election will set the course of the country for years to come, and people don’t want to sit on the sidelines.
Person with “I voted” sticker
Voting is not just a civic duty, but a chance to shape the future of our communities, our state, and our country. Whether you're concerned about economic policy, healthcare reform, immigration, or the overall direction of the nation, the 2024 election offers a unique opportunity to influence the decisions that will affect all of us for years to come. If you haven't already, now is the time to get out and vote. Early voting continues through November 1st and Election Day is just around the corner. If you’re reading this and haven’t yet voted, consider this your call to sign to get out there and vote. Early voting is your opportunity to avoid the Election Day rush and ensure that your voice is part of this historic election. Texas, and the nation, are counting on you.
