Full Breakdown
Early Voting Nears Close Ahead of Nov. 3, 2026 Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Current Early-Voting Totals Across Key States
More than 41 million voters have cast early ballots, according to the University of Florida Election Lab, roughly one-third of the 2022 midterm total. State totals include:
- Texas – early in-person and mail ballots exceed 70 % of the 2022 turnout, about 5.6 million in person.
- Georgia – over 2 million early ballots, about 58 % of the 2022 total.
- Tennessee and North Carolina – early voting accounts for 58 % and 56 % of their 2022 turnouts.
- Ohio – more than 1 million early votes, roughly 31 % of the 2022 total.
- Michigan – about 1.5 million early voters, with 80 % mailed.
- Florida – 3.8 million early voters, trailing the 2022 pace of 4.9 million.
- South Carolina – nearly 564 000 early ballots, a new gubernatorial-election record.
- Knox County, Tennessee – 102 196 early votes, enough to fill Neyland Stadium.
02
Background & Context
The University of Florida Election Lab has tracked early voting since 2008. Compared with 2022, North Carolina is up about 34 %, and South Carolina set a record. Many jurisdictions now allow voters to use any early-voting site within their county.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
Swipe across the table to see all columns.
| State / Jurisdiction | Early Votes Cast | Share of 2022 Turnout | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | >5.6 million (in-person) | >70 % | Final early-voting day is Friday. |
| Georgia | >2 million | 58 % | Competitive Senate and governor races. |
| Tennessee (statewide) | – | 58 % | Knox County contributed >102 000 votes. |
| North Carolina | ~2.4 million | 30 % of eligible voters | Early voting up 34 % from 2022. |
| Michigan | 1.5 million | – | 80 % mailed. |
| Florida (statewide) | 3.8 million | – | Still behind 2022 level. |
| South Carolina | 564 000 | Record for gubernatorial election | Charleston County leads with >70 000 ballots. |
| Ohio | >1 million | 31 % | Competitive governor and Senate races. |
04
Official Statements & Responses
- The University of Florida Election Lab says its figures come directly from state and regional sources and do not include election results.
- The Texas Secretary of State confirmed early voting by personal appearance ran from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, with over 80 vote centers statewide. Mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, or by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 if postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
- South Carolina Election Commission officials highlighted the record turnout and urged voters to verify photo-ID requirements and polling locations via scVOTES.gov.
05
On-the-Ground Reports
In Hillsborough County, Florida, Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer warned that “procrastinators” tend to wait until the final day, producing a “great big turnout.”
06
What’s Next
- Early voting ends on Saturday in several Florida counties and on Oct. 30 in Texas; after that, the only in-person option is Nov. 3, when polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. statewide.
- Ballots received after 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 will be rejected, even if postmarked by Election Day, per the new state law cited by Texas officials.
- Voters who have not yet cast a ballot should confirm registration, locate early-voting sites, and bring an acceptable photo ID before the final early-voting day.