Politics
North Texas early-voting totals top 2022 midterm’s opening day in four counties
More than 195,000 ballots were cast on the first day of early voting across Dallas, Tarrant, Denton and Collin counties, with each county exceeding its 2022 midterm total. The opening-day counts remained below 2024 presidential-election levels in three of the four counties.
More voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting for the 2026 midterms than on the opening day of the 2022 election in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton and Collin counties, according to local election officials and state data.
Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19. Dallas County recorded 76,079 ballots, compared with 32,605 on the first day in 2022. Tarrant County reported 50,409, up from 29,197; Denton County counted 34,739, more than 17,000 above its 2022 total; and Collin County reported 34,522, roughly 15,000 more than in 2022.
The comparison with the 2024 presidential election was different. Dallas County’s opening-day total rose from 56,431 in 2024 to 76,079 this year. But Tarrant, Denton and Collin counties recorded fewer first-day ballots than in 2024: 58,487, 50,661 and 43,987, respectively, according to Texas Secretary of State data.
The totals come as voters face a broad November ballot, including races for the U.S. Senate, Congress, governor and other state offices, as well as local contests, judicial races and bond measures.
Voting access was disrupted at some Collin County locations Monday morning after ballot-printer problems. The county election commissioner said about 10 locations were affected and service was later restored. Some voters said they were turned away; how long the interruptions lasted and how many people were unable to vote was not clear.
Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polling places are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters in line by 7 p.m. may cast a ballot.