Early voting numbers in Harris County for the first three days show an increase in participation when compared with recent elections in odd years.

So far, 15,591 people have voted in person at the 40 early voting locations in Harris County. Three days of in-person voting in 2009 yielded 11,916 votes. In 2011, the number was even lower, at 7,930.

The increase in voter turnout comes after the implementation of a law requiring Texas voters to present a form of photo ID in order to vote. The law does not apply to people voting by mail.

Hector De Leon, director of communications and voter outreach with the Harris County clerk's office, said he, and others on the staff, worked relentlessly to make sure voters were ready for this year's election.

"We have been working really hard to reach out to different segments of the community at all levels in what we call 'community hubs,'" De Leon said. "That includes all school districts in Harris County, colleges, universities, community organizations and 43 chambers of commerce."

De Leon said although it is still early on in the voting process, the numbers after the first three days are encouraging.

"The first three days of early voting bear out that folks received the message [about photo ID] and have decided to participate," he said. "At this point, photo ID is not deterring voting. The staff in the clerk's office has been saturating the county with information and will continue to do so until election day."

Early voting continues until Nov. 1. Oct. 25 is the last day the county clerk's office can receive a request for a ballot by mail.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. For a list of early voting and Election Day voting locations and hours in Harris County, or to learn more about who qualifies for early voting, go to www.harrisvotes.org.