Election Day Voting — What You Need to Know

As we gear up for the upcoming elections, it's essential to stay informed about the ins and outs of casting your vote. This guide will provide you with all the key details regarding where and when to vote on Election Day, what's on your ballot, and what items you'll need to bring along. So, let's dive into what you should know to make your voting experience smooth and straightforward!

When is Election Day?

Mark your calendars! Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. On this day, polling places in Texas will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. If you're in line by 7 p.m., don't worry—you'll still be allowed to cast your vote! It's crucial to plan ahead, especially if you're going during peak hours.

Can I Vote Early This Weekend?

If you're wondering about early voting, it's good to note that early voting in Texas wrapped up on Friday, November 1, 2024. If you missed your chance to vote early, don’t fret! You still have the opportunity to make your voice heard on Election Day itself.

What’s on the Ballot?

Curious about what’s on your ballot? There’s a lot to consider! To get a clear picture of the races, you can filter by category or county using the following links:

• [Federal races]
• [State races]
• [Collin County]
• [Dallas County]
• [Denton County]
• [Tarrant County]
• [ISD propositions]
• [City propositions]

Taking the time to review what’s on your ballot can significantly enhance your voting experience. It helps you make informed decisions and understand the implications of each choice.

Early Voting Turnout

Here's an exciting statistic: more than 1 million people took advantage of early voting in North Texas this year! In Collin County alone, a whopping 58.59% of the approximately 750,000 registered voters participated early. That translates to an average of 35,356 early voters per day over the 12-day early voting period.

The Collin County Elections Department reported that 424,276 people voted in person during the early voting phase, with an additional 14,426 absentee ballots received. All in all, early voting in the county saw 438,702 total votes. This impressive turnout suggests a high level of engagement among voters, setting the stage for an exciting Election Day.

Comparison with Previous Elections

To put this year's early voting in perspective, let’s look back at the 2020 election. Collin County achieved a total voter turnout of 76.02%, with 494,259 votes cast. If we want to match that turnout this year, we’d need another 130,507 voters to hit the same percentage, which is an additional 17.43% of registered voters. Not too shabby if you consider that 36,689 people voted for president on Election Day in 2020. For this election, only 55,557 more votes would be necessary to match that total.

Historical Context of Voter Turnout

The 2020 election was a standout in terms of voter participation. According to the U.S. Census, it boasted the highest national voter turnout of the 21st century, with 66.8% of eligible citizens voting. In comparison, the average turnout for presidential elections this century tends to hover around 60%. With early voting turnout so robust, it’s clear that voters are eager to participate this year!

Voting by Mail

If you were planning to vote by mail, keep in mind that the deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed. However, if you do have a mail-in ballot, it must be either received or postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. For more detailed information on mail-in voting in Texas, you can check out the state’s election website.

The Dynamics of Early Voting Days

Election Day is significant, but let’s not overlook the importance of early voting. Typically, early voting lasts 12 days, wrapping up just four days before Election Day, which usually means it ends on the Friday prior. However, the timeline shifted a bit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the governor extending the early voting period to 18 days to help ensure safety and accessibility.

Usually, early voting kicks off on a Monday, but in 2020, it started on Tuesday, October 13, because Columbus Day fell on the previous Monday. Interestingly, voting tends to dip on Sundays, which is reflected in historical turnout charts. In 2016, for example, Sunday voting saw notable drops on Day 7, and the same trend was observed on Day 6 in 2020.

Conclusion: Your Vote Matters

As we approach Election Day, it’s vital to recognize the power of your vote. Each election shapes our communities and impacts our future, making your participation essential. Whether you voted early or plan to head to the polls on November 5, be informed, be prepared, and most importantly, be heard.

Let’s make this election count—every vote matters, and together, we can shape the future of our great state and nation! So, get ready, gather your friends and family, and make your plans to hit the polls. Exciting times are ahead, and your voice is a crucial part of the conversation!