Harris County early voter turnout surpasses 2024 with nearly 347K votes cast in primary elections

A total of 346,797 in-person and mail-in ballots were cast early in the Harris County March 3 primary elections, according to the county clerk’s office. The 10-day early voting period ran Feb. 17-27.

By the numbers

Unofficial totals from the Harris County clerk’s office show 209,402 ballots cast during the second week of early voting, almost 97% of which were in person.

More than 137,000 Harris County voters participated in the first week of early voting Feb. 17-22, Community Impact previously reported. All totals are unofficial until votes are reviewed in accordance with the Texas Election Code, according to the county clerk’s office.

Harris County's early voter turnout increased by about 64%, or approximately 135,000 votes, compared to the last primary elections in March 2024. The bump in early participation is on trend with statewide data, with more Democratic primary voters in particular showing up to the polls ahead of election day, according to Community Impact reporting.

The Republican and Democratic primaries 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, per the county clerk’s office.

Harris County saw higher early voter turnout in the Democratic primary election, with 220,284 votes cast in person or by mail by Feb. 27. In comparison, a total of 126,513 residents voted early in the Republican primary, the data shows.

Before you go

March 3 is the last day to vote in the primary elections. Registered Harris County voters may visit any of the 270 vote centers across the county from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to cast their ballot, per the county clerk’s office.

"Voters have one final opportunity to participate in the primary election process, unless a primary runoff is required," Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said in a March 2 news release. "What voters decide at the ballot box will determine this election and the future of Texas."

Visit Community Impact’s elections homepage to learn more about what’s on the ballot and what to bring to the polls.