BRYAN, Texas – The first day of early voting in Texas saw a strong turnout, with 5,144 residents of Brazos County casting their votes on Monday.
Trudy Hancock, the elections administrator for Brazos County, reported that this election is defying typical trends. “We have hit the ground running today,” Hancock said. “We usually see a 50/50 split between early voting and Election Day voting. I have a feeling this time, a lot of people are going to vote early.”
The enthusiasm for early voting was palpable across the Brazos Valley, with thousands participating on the initial day. Hancock noted that the day went smoothly despite a few minor technical issues, such as ballot paper jams, which did not disrupt the voting process.
Local resident Jeremy Zamora expressed his excitement about exercising his voting rights. “I think it’s important, as an American citizen, to do your due diligence as your right to vote and have your voice be heard,” he stated.
Hancock mentioned that the high turnout was also observed in adjacent areas like Robertson County, where voter traffic matched what would typically occur in a week.
She reminded voters to be mindful of electioneering rules while waiting in line, noting, “Once you’re in that line, you’re within that 100-foot marker, so there is no electioneering. No shirts, buttons, hats for candidates; just be sure that you’re mindful of that.”
While some lines were longer than usual on the first day, Zamora praised the election workers for their efficiency. “Do your due diligence of who you want in the office and running the country,” he advised.
For those voting by mail and concerned about postal delays, Hancock offered a helpful tip. “If you’re worried about the post office, you can go to the post office on Boonville and walk your ballot in. They will hand stamp it and put it in a box, and they deliver them to us daily,” she recommended.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, and should be received by 5 p.m. the following day. To avoid any potential issues, Hancock encourages voters to send their ballots as early as possible.
Early voting will continue until November 1.