Early voting begins today in Texas, with statewide elections, congressional seats, and all important local races to be decided. With so much to vote for, what can we expect in voter turnout?
"Local issues are really the key I think to voter turnout" said Houston voting expert, Melissa Conway, "We're seeing lots of activity in conversations now through the grass roots, as well as through voters."
That is why voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual. There is so much on the ballot, and there is so much at stake. Especially in Texas.
"Crime, and public safety, property taxes, those are all issues hitting close to home, those are the kitchen-table concerns that are a major part of the conversation" Conway told KTRH, "So, I think those will really be the triggers to turnout in Harris County."
There was also an issue of over 500,000 voter applications that were held up due to a glitch at DPS. But that issue has been resolved, and the new voter registration backlog in Harris County has been cleared. However, last week a new software glitch popped up for some voters that were trying to make changes. Those issues are expected to be fixed this week.
"So, I think we'll see this consequential election will be just that, one of great consequence, particularly here in Harris County" noted Conway.
Early voting runs through October 30th. You can always check, VoteTexas.gov
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