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Harris County Tops 70,000 Early Votes on First Day

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 2:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Texas Counties Break Records

Harris County processed over 70,000 first-day early votes by 3:30 p.m. Monday, surpassing the 2018 record of 63,188.
Dallas County logged 76,069 first-day early votes, a 25.6% rise over the 2020 record of 60,573.
A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Democrat James Talarico at 50% and Republican Ken Paxton at 47%.
Republican leadership has spent more than $158 million on outside money to protect Texas GOP dominance.

Summary

Texas Expands Voting Options

Texas approved the Countywide Polling Place Program for 13 North Texas counties, letting voters choose any polling site.
Denton County remains an exception, requiring voters to use their designated precinct on Election Day.
Travis County opened 45 early-voting locations, adding a South Austin site at Menchaca Library.
Voters must request mail-in ballots by Friday, Oct. 23, and receive them by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, amid a wave of elections across the United States and many other nations, Texas enacted a sweeping overhaul of its election code. The reform introduced statewide early-voting and flexible polling-place rules, aligning the state with broader trends toward expanding voter access. Its implementation set a precedent that continues to shape Texas electoral dynamics and campaign spending.

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Texas Counties Break Records

Harris County processed over 70,000 first-day early votes by 3:30 p.m. Monday, surpassing the 2018 record of 63,188.
Dallas County logged 76,069 first-day early votes, a 25.6% rise over the 2020 record of 60,573.
A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Democrat James Talarico at 50% and Republican Ken Paxton at 47%.
Republican leadership has spent more than $158 million on outside money to protect Texas GOP dominance.

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