Harris County residents surpassed the previous voter record turnout by about 6,000 votes before the last day of early voting, according to officials with the Harris County Clerk’s Office. With 2.48 million people registered to vote in Harris County, at least 54% have already cast ballots—either via mail or in person. More than 1.3 million county residents cast ballots throughout the entire November 2016 election, but this year, that number was surpassed Oct. 29—with one day of early voting remaining in addition to Election Day on Nov. 3. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins attributed the turnout to increased access to voting in Harris County. For instance, eight polling locations operated for 36 consecutive hours, when 10,000 voters took advantage of 24-hour voting and cast ballots between 7 p.m.-7 a.m. on Oct. 29-30. Voters also had six additional days of early voting over the 2016 election.

Good morning! Between 7PM last night and 7AM this morning 10,250 people voted in Harris County.

This morning County Clerk @CGHollins will be casting his vote at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Still need your #IVoted sticker? 120 locations are open until 7PM. #HarrisVotes pic.twitter.com/cgxok4td12

— Harris County Clerk (@HarrisVotes) October 30, 2020

"This November, Harris County voters have had more access to the polls than ever, and I'm thrilled to see this record breaking turnout,” Hollins said in a statement. "There's still time for voters to vote early, deliver a mail ballot in person at NRG Arena, or have their voice heard on Election Day."

Find more election content, including candidate Q&A’s, polling locations, election results and more, at communityimpact.com/voter-guide.