Approximately 165,548 Harris County residents cast early ballots in the May 26 primary runoff elections, less than half of the early turnout for the primaries in March, results from the Harris County Clerk’s Office show.
Breaking it down
In total, 95,602 Republican voters and 69,946 Democratic voters cast ballots in person or by mail during the five-day early voting period from May 18-22, according to the unofficial results.
In comparison, nearly 347,000 Harris County residents voted early during the 10-day period for the March 3 primary election, Community Impact previously reported. While more Democrats voted early in March, Republican turnout accounted for the majority of early runoff ballots.
Runoff elections are required in primary races where no candidate received at least 50% of votes in March.
A lengthy list of primary races went to a runoff March 3, including both the Democratic and Republican races for Harris County judge, Texas attorney general, and several state and U.S. representatives, among others. Additionally, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are facing off in the Republican runoff to represent Texas in the U.S. senate—a race drawing much attention across the country.
Something to note
The Republican and Democratic primary runoffs are administered separately, and voters must choose one election to participate in before receiving a ballot at the voting center. Texas is an open primary state, meaning voters are not required to register with a specific political party.
Voters who participated in the March 3 primary must vote in the same political party's runoff election, per the county clerk’s office.
Results from the May 26 runoff elections determine the candidates who will represent their party on the November ballot for midterm elections.
One more thing
May 26 is the last day to vote in the primary runoff elections. Registered Harris County voters may visit any of the county’s 163 voting centers to cast their ballot before 7 p.m., according to the election’s office.
“Runoff elections often decide some of the most important races on the ballot, and every vote matters,” Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said in a statement. “We encourage voters to review their sample ballot before arriving at the polls so they can cast their ballot quickly, confidently and prepared.”
Read Community Impact’s live election coverage at www.communityimpact.com/elections
