Harris County Early Voting Sets Midterm Record

Harris County ended early voting on October 30 with 1,081,010 ballots cast, the highest total for a midterm in the county. That represents 39% of its 2.7 million registered voters. The count includes 1,036,349 in-person votes and 44,661 mail ballots. In 2022, about 750,000 early and mail ballots had been cast by the same point in the midterm election.

Record Early Voting Puts Affordability at the Center

Harris County closed early voting on October 30 with 1,081,010 ballots cast, a midterm record and 39% of the county’s 2.7 million registered voters. Friday was the busiest day, with 126,397 in-person votes. The total included 44,661 mail ballots, and early voting in 2022 had reached about 750,000 by the same point.

In Houston, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa emphasized housing tax burdens and public oversight, faulting Gov. Greg Abbott over rising costs. Senate candidate James Talarico called for limits on corporate and wealthy donor influence in elections. Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton also centered his Houston remarks on everyday expenses, while Abbott campaigned on border security, property taxes and affordability.

The campaign’s competing affordability pitches now go before voters. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 3, and Harris County voters may use any county vote center. About 1.66 million registered county voters had not voted by the close of early voting.

Record Turnout Meets Final Push on Costs and Security

Harris County’s 1,081,010 early ballots set a midterm record, with 39% of its 2.7 million registered voters having voted by October 30. Friday drew the largest in-person crowd of the 12-day period: 126,397 voters. The total includes 44,661 mail ballots, compared with roughly 750,000 early and mail votes at the same point in 2022.

Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton used a Houston appearance to focus on gas, groceries, electricity and other household costs. Gov. Greg Abbott campaigned in Amarillo and Laredo, emphasizing border security, property taxes and affordability while urging supporters to get others to vote. Democrats Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico campaigned together in Houston, focusing on property taxes, accountability and campaign finance reform.

The record vote comes as candidates make their final appeals, but about 1.66 million registered Harris County voters had yet to cast a ballot. Election Day is November 3, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. County voters can cast ballots at any vote center.