Harris County smashes early voting record (Houston)

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Harris County smashes early voting record

By Zach Despart Updated 9:08 pm CDT, Monday, October 22, 2018


Harris County residents on Monday set a new record for the first day of early voting in a midterm election, as 63,188 went to the polls to cast ballots.

The turnout smashed the previous mark, set in 2010, by more than 35,000 votes, and came on the same day both major party candidates for the U.S. Senate, Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump campaigned in downtown Houston.

An additional 52,413 voters have returned mail-in ballots, bringing the total figure to date to 115, 601.

Harris County's tally eclipsed the first-day total in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, even though midterms typically draw far fewer voters. Fort Bend and Montgomery counties experienced similar surges.

"There are just incredible numbers of turnout today," Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart said. "Lines are moving, they're getting to vote, and they're getting on their way."

The crowds at the polls signal voters are enthusiastic, said University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus, but which political party benefits remains to be seen. He said an increase in voter turnout usually boosts Democrats, but the early voting surge simply could show that more voters are choosing to avoid the hassles voting on Election Day can bring.

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https://www.chron.com/news/politics/horseshoe/article/Harris-County-smashes-early-voting-record-13327145.php