Texans are flocking to early voting sites to avoid long lines on Election Day. So far, just 29% of registered voters in Texas have cast their ballots one week into early voting. In Collin County, the number of early voters is 13% higher than in 2020, indicating a potential increase in overall turnout.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a surge in voter turnout, with an emphasis on mail-in voting and a longer early voting period. This year, turnout is 7% lower than in 2020 at the halfway mark of early voting. However, compared to the 2016 election, there is an increase in early voting turnout due to a higher number of registered voters.
Travis County voter Caitlin Keegan always votes early to fit it into her schedule, a sentiment shared by many Texans. Voter Corrie Roehm highlighted the importance of this election and the need to avoid scheduling conflicts that could prevent voting on Election Day.
Elections administrator Bruce Sherbet predicts a turnout of 75% to 80% of registered voters in Collin County, with the majority of votes being cast early. Sherbet expects a decrease in early voting participation as the week progresses.
It may take another election cycle before voting patterns in Texas fully reflect the impact of the pandemic. The shifting trends in voter turnout and preferences will become more apparent over time, with early voting playing a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Source
Photo credit spectrumlocalnews.com