Early Voting Begins Across Texas
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - People across Texas can start heading to the polls on Monday morning to cast their ballots in local, state and the presidential races. The Secretary of State said that more people are registered to vote this year than ever before, over 13.6 million registered voters in Texas.
Still, election officials are not sure if there will be a large voter turnout. The state is prepared for record-breaking numbers, similar to those seen four years ago in the last presidential race. People showed up in droves to cast their ballots in the 2008 race, creating long lines at polling places in North Texas. This year -- with another highly-contested presidential race and several congressional, state and local races drawing much attention -- polling places could be packed again.
However, there is not expected to be much suspense in the votes for President and U.S. Senate in Texas. Republicans Mitt Romney and Ted Cruz are heavily favored to win the state. Many of the close races exist at a more local level. Democratic state Rep. Pete Gallego is trying to take back the 27th Congressional District from Republican incumbent Quico Canseco. Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson is putting a stronger-than-expected challenge to Republican state Sen. Randy Weber to replace congressman Ron Paul, south of Houston. And officials in Tarrant County expect a large turnout in the race between state Sen. Wendy Davis and state Rep. Mark Shelton.
Those wishing to cast a ballot should bring identification -- a voter registration card, driver's license, passport, birth certificate or other government document that shows your name and address. Voters with their registration card will not need a photo ID.
The early voting period runs through November 2, with the general election being held on November 6. Click here for more information about early voting.
- Dallas County Early Voting Info
- Tarrant County Early Voting Info
- Collin County Early Voting Info
- Denton County Early Voting Info
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