Early voting began in Texas on Monday, with Brazos County reporting that 5,144 voters participated on the first day of the election. Trudy Hancock, the elections administrator for Brazos County, noted that this election is already showing significant early turnout, which is a departure from the usual pattern of evenly distributed voting between early and Election Day.
Hancock expressed her satisfaction with the day, stating, “We have hit the ground running today,” and anticipated a higher percentage of early voters this time around. Despite minor technical issues like ballot paper jams, the voting process was smooth overall.
Bryan resident Jeremy Zamora emphasized the importance of participating in elections, asserting, “It’s important, as an American citizen, to do your due diligence as your right to vote and have your voice be heard.” Hancock confirmed the large turnout is also reflected in nearby areas like Robertson County, where voter activity has been comparable to an entire week’s worth in just one day.
Voters were reminded of the regulations concerning electioneering, with Hancock advising that once in line, individuals should not display any political campaign materials within a 100-foot radius. Although lines were longer than usual, Zamora praised the efficiency of the election workers in keeping the process moving.
Hancock also offered tips for mail-in voters concerned about ballot delivery. She suggested delivering ballots directly to the post office on Boonville, where they can be hand-stamped and collected daily for delivery to the election office. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, and received by 5 p.m. the following day.
Early voting will continue until November 1, and additional information on local elections is available at KBTX’s Election Headquarters.