Early voting commenced on Monday in Texas, with Brazos County reporting that 5,144 individuals have already participated in the election.
Trudy Hancock, the elections administrator for Brazos County, noted that this election is showing a different pattern than usual. “We have hit the ground running today,” Hancock stated. “Typically, we see a 50/50 split between early voting and Election Day voting, but I sense that many will be opting for early voting this time.”
On the first day of early voting, thousands in the Brazos Valley made their voices heard. Hancock described the day as smooth despite some minor technical issues, such as ballot paper jams. “We’ve had a few little technical issues like ballot paper getting jammed, but nothing to halt voting,” she explained.
Local resident Jeremy Zamora expressed his enthusiasm for voting, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. “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,” said Zamora.
Hancock indicated a significant turnout not just in Brazos County, but also in nearby areas like Robertson County, where the voting activity mirrors an entire week’s worth of traffic in just one day.
She reminded voters to be aware of electioneering rules while waiting in line, saying, “Just remember, 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 there were some longer lines, Zamora commended the efficiency of the election workers. “Do your due diligence of who you want in the office and running the country,” he added.
For those casting mail-in ballots and concerned about delivery times, Hancock offered a helpful tip: “If you’re worried about the post office, your ballot having to go out of town and then come back, 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.”
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, and must be received by 5 p.m. the following day, so Hancock advises voters to send their ballots as early as possible.
Early voting continues until November 1.