Early Voting in Texas: A Hot Start for the 2024 Election
Early voting in Texas for the 2024 election kicked off with remarkable enthusiasm on Monday, as over 840,000 residents took to the polls to cast their ballots in person. According to preliminary data from the Texas Secretary of State’s office, a staggering 843,130 individuals participated in early voting on the first day, representing more than 4.5% of registered voters across the state. This initial turnout not only showcases the eagerness of Texans to engage in the electoral process but also sets a promising tone for the upcoming election.
A Record-Breaking Start
The numbers from Monday’s early voting significantly outpaced the first day of in-person early voting during the 2020 presidential election, which saw 755,136 Texans voting in person—about 4.4% of registered voters at that time. The 2024 figures are particularly noteworthy, especially considering that data from over a dozen counties was still missing from the state’s website at the time of reporting. This suggests that the actual turnout could be even higher, reflecting a growing trend of civic engagement among Texans.
The increase in early voting participation is also indicative of the state’s population growth. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of registered voters in Texas surged by more than 10%. This demographic shift, coupled with heightened political awareness, has likely contributed to the robust turnout seen on the first day of early voting.
North Texas Voting Trends
In North Texas, the enthusiasm for early voting was palpable, with every county reporting an increase in participation compared to the 2020 election—except for Dallas County. Dallas County experienced a decline of over 4,800 votes, which may be attributed to a technical glitch involving digital poll books. This issue led to longer wait times and extended lines at several early voting centers, potentially discouraging some voters from casting their ballots.
Meanwhile, Collin County saw an increase in the total number of early votes cast, although the percentage of the electorate that voted in person on the first day dipped slightly compared to 2020. This nuanced trend highlights the varying experiences of voters across different regions of North Texas.
New Voting Laws in Effect
The 2024 election marks a significant shift in Texas voting laws, with new regulations now in effect. In 2021, the Republican-led Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1 (SB1) in response to unfounded claims regarding the integrity of the 2020 election. This legislation introduced multiple changes to early voting rules, including adjustments to the timeframe for early voting.
Under the new regulations, early voting now begins on the Monday that falls 15 days before Election Day and continues through the following Friday, which is three days before Election Day. This standardized approach aims to streamline the early voting process across the state. Additionally, SB1 implemented new rules regarding the hours that early voting locations can remain open, further shaping the voting landscape in Texas.
The Road Ahead
As early voting continues, the enthusiasm demonstrated on the first day is likely to carry through the election period. With the combination of a growing electorate, new voting laws, and a heightened sense of civic duty among Texans, the 2024 election is poised to be a pivotal moment in the state’s political history. The ongoing participation trends will be closely monitored as voters navigate the new regulations and make their voices heard in this crucial election cycle.