Harris County opened early voting with record-breaking turnout, as more than 104,000 voters cast ballots in person on the first day, surpassing the previous midterm first-day record by more than 65%, according to the Harris County Elections Department.

A total of 104,659 voters cast in-person ballots Monday, Oct. 19, exceeding the 63,188 recorded on the first day of early voting during the 2018 midterm elections. Turnout remained strong Tuesday, with another 99,911 in-person voters, according to unofficial county totals.

Tuesday’s turnout was 54% higher than the second day of early voting in 2018 and 68% higher than the same day in 2022, signaling strong voter participation in one of the state’s most politically influential counties.

Harris County Democratic Party Chair Traci Gibson attributed the surge to the party’s expanded voter outreach operation, which includes neighborhood canvassing, volunteer recruitment, community events, voter registration and paid advertising.

Under Gibson’s leadership, the party has expanded its field operation with four offices serving five regions of Harris County. Each region has a dedicated organizer working with paid and volunteer canvassers to reach voters, share election information and encourage participation.

The party reports recruiting 726 volunteers and conducting more than 100,000 door knocks as part of its efforts to engage voters throughout the county.

Outreach initiatives have included programming designed to connect with Black men, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Latino residents and people who have not previously been engaged in the political process. Events have included barbershop conversations, arts-focused gatherings, voter registration at grocery stores and run clubs, and neighborhood activities.

HCDP has also organized virtual phone banks that allow volunteers from across Texas and the country to contact Harris County voters. Its paid media campaign includes television, radio and digital advertising.

The party is encouraging supporters to increase their financial contributions to help expand its advertising efforts during the final days of early voting. The increased turnout comes as candidates and political organizations work to mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Although the early voting figures reflect strong participation, turnout alone does not determine election outcomes. Final results will depend on voter participation through Election Day and the distribution of votes across individual races.

Early voting in Harris County continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Voters can find polling locations, voting hours and election information through the Harris County Clerk’s Elections Office.

The Harris County Democratic Party works to elect Democratic candidates across the county through voter registration, grassroots organizing, volunteer recruitment and voter mobilization. Its coordinated campaign, Turn Out For Harris County!, focuses on expanding participation and supporting Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.