Houston-area voters are registering to vote in record numbers just in time for the March 6 primaries, and the two major political parties are bracing for yet another wave of newcomers over the next few days.

With Monday's voter registration deadline fast approaching, both major political parties say they are seeing a definite uptick in interest from people wanting to be ready for the nation's first in the nation political primaries.

"​We are seeing a spike in activity," said Vlad Davidiuk, communications director for the Harris County Republican Party.

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Harris County Democrats say they too are seeing a lot more interest than usual during a midterm election cycle for both the primary races on March 6 and the general election in November.

Already Harris County has nearly 2.3 million registered voters. Four years ago in 2014, the last time Texas had a midterm election cycle with the governor's race being the top draw, Harris County had less than 2.1 million registered voters.

This year's primary ballot has no shortage of intrigue for both political parties.

In the race for governor, nine Democrats are on the ballot vying to see who will get to take on Gov. Greg Abbott if he is able to defeat two lesser known Republicans challenging him in a primary.

Photo: handout / stock agency Photo: Julio Cortez, Chronicle Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez

Thanks in part to two longtime members of Congress retiring in Houston, Republicans and Democrats have a record 61 candidates running for congressional seats just in Harris County. U.S. Reps Ted Poe, R-Atascocita, and Gene Green, D-Houston, are both leaving Congress, prompting a surge in candidates trying to replace them. In addition, U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, is holding what many expect will become one of the most competitive House races in the country.

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And for U.S. Senate, Ted Cruz goes for his first re-election if he can win a GOP primary battle first. His likely opponent is U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, an El Paso Democrat, who has raised more money for his campaign than any Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in 16 years.

While Election Day is March 6, early voting begins on Feb. 20.

To register to vote, Texans must fill out an application either at the county's voter registrar's office or by picking up the forms at public libraries, government offices, or high schools. The application can also be downloaded at from the Texas Secretary of State's website at: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrapp/index.asp

Jeremy Wallace writes about state politics and government for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter at @JeremySWallace.