Approximately nine million Texans—less than half of the state’s 18.6 million registered voters—voted early in the Nov. 5 general election, according to data from the Texas Secretary of State.

Early voting turnout trailed behind that of the 2020 general election, when over 9.7 million people voted early. Texas gained over 1.6 million voters in the past four years.

Eligible Texans who have not yet voted can do so from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 5. For more local election coverage from Community Impact, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

The details

Nearly 49% of registered voters cast ballots during early voting, which ran from Oct. 21-Nov. 1. About 8.7 million Texans voted in person, while about 347,000 cast their votes by mail.


Over 57% of eligible Texans voted early in the 2020 general election, according to state records. Early voting was extended in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with early polls open from Oct. 13-30, 2020.

Over 937,000 Texans voted by mail in October 2020. However, in-person turnout was also slightly higher in 2020, at over 8.76 million people.

Also of note

Comal County, located in Central Texas, recorded the highest early voting turnout among large counties, with 61.6% of eligible residents voting early. Over 143,000 people are registered to vote in Comal County.


Blanco County, which has about 11,000 registered voters, had the state’s highest early voting turnout at nearly 67%. Blanco County is located just north of Comal County.

At the polls

All Texas polling locations will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. As long as voters are in line at their polling place by 7 p.m., they will be allowed to vote.

Ninety-nine counties offer countywide voting, meaning voters can visit any polling location in their county of residence. Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Travis, Collin, Fort Bend, Williamson, Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Bastrop counties participate in the countywide polling program.


In other counties—including Denton and Montgomery—residents must vote at their assigned precinct. An individual’s voting precinct is listed on their voter registration certificate and can be found on the state voter portal.

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked or dropped off at a voter’s county election office by 7 p.m. Nov. 5.

Eligible Texans can vote for the next president, a U.S. senator, state lawmakers and a variety of other local, regional and statewide races.

Under state law, Texans must present one of seven forms of photo identification to vote:Voters who do not have and cannot reasonably obtain one of the required forms of photo ID can fill out a “reasonable impediment declaration” at the polls and provide a supporting form of ID, such as a birth certificate, utility bill, bank statement or paycheck, according to the secretary of state.


Under Texas law, campaigning and “electioneering” are not allowed within 100 feet of the building entrance. This means Texas cannot post, use, distribute or wear signs, literature or clothing related to a candidate, political party or ballot measure.

Voters can bring written materials such as notes or a sample ballot to the polls, but cell phones and other wireless communication devices are not allowed.