Texas Early Voting Begins Amid Registration Backlogs
Texas is conducting early voting for November 3 midterm elections while officials manage registration errors and report rising turnout in several counties.
The Government of Texas is overseeing early voting for the November 3 midterm elections following an October 5 registration deadline. State errors and registration backlogs, specifically involving the Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license portal, have left some eligible voters off polling lists. To mitigate this, state law allows the use of provisional ballots and limited ballots for voters who moved between counties after the deadline.
Turnout is rising in several jurisdictions. In Tom Green County, in-person ballots reached 8,680 by October 22, representing 11.7 percent of registered voters. Daily participation grew from 3,144 on Tuesday to 6,340 on Wednesday. In Midland County, early voting is also underway, featuring local school district contests and a utility district bond.
Outside of Texas, officials in Mid-Michigan are preparing for their own early voting period starting October 24. Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope and Delta Township Clerk Mary Clark are increasing staffing to accommodate expected high turnout, noting that early voting has gained popularity since its 2022 approval.
