Early voting surpasses entire 2014 tally in 21 of 30 largest Texas counties

Click through the slideshow to see the polling sites with the most amount of voters. 10. Shavano Park City Hall

900 Saddletree

Thursday voters: 1,135

Cumulative: 10,700 Click through the slideshow to see the polling sites with the most amount of voters. 10. Shavano Park City Hall

900 Saddletree

Thursday voters: 1,135

Cumulative: 10,700 Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Early voting surpasses entire 2014 tally in 21 of 30 largest Texas counties 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN — Early voting in Texas has surpassed total turnout from the 2014 midterm cycle in 21 of the largest 30 counties, showcasing a surge in voter enthusiasm in the state’s metro areas spurred by competitive races for U.S. Senate and Congress.

By Thursday, voters in the 30 largest counties had cast more than 4.3 million ballots in person and by mail, just shy of the 4.7 million Texans who voted in the entire 2014 election. Thursday’s tally, provided by the Secretary of State’s office, does not include votes from another 224 Texas counties.

In El Paso County, for example, more than 27 percent of registered voters had cast a ballot by Thursday. In 2014, fewer than 20 percent of registered voters went to the polls during early voting.

Several other counties with a rush in early voting are those surrounding major cities that have experienced large population growth.

In Williamson County, just north of Austin, more than 43 percent of registered voters have cast a ballot, up from a total turnout of 38 percent in 2014.

At a campaign stop in Williamson County this week, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott predicted turnout would be of “greatest consequence in this election.” Since 2010, the county has grown 30 percent.

“You need to understand how hard the battle is being fought in Williamson County,” he said, “This is not your father’s Williamson county, definitely not your grandfather’s Williamson county. This is a true purple county.”

Johanna Harris, a Williamson County resident is voting in her first midterm election. A member of the military, she hasn’t decided who to pick in the competitive U.S. Senate race. “I never vote straight-ticket,” she said.

Turnout is also surpassing 2014 levels in counties along the U.S.-Mexico border, including in Cameron and Hidalgo.

Friday was the last day to vote early. Election Day is Tuesday.

amorris@express-news.net