Bexar County smashed turnout records Monday, the first day of early voting for the November midterms, according to local elections officials.
Bexar voters cast 42,776 ballots Monday, marking the highest first‑day turnout for a non‑presidential election in the county’s history. As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, an additional 12,191 ballots had been cast in the county.
“We are encouraged by the strong response from voters on the first day of early voting,” said Michele Carew, Bexar County’s elections administrator. “This level of participation demonstrates the importance our community places on the democratic process. We encourage all eligible voters who have not yet cast their ballots to make a plan to vote before early voting ends.”
High voter participation resulted in long lines at polling locations throughout the county, with some voters casting their ballots as late as 9 p.m. Monday. On the second day of early voting, lines remained long at some polling locations throughout the county.
Election officials reminded voters that anyone in line when polls close should remain there because they will still be able to cast their ballots.
To accommodate the unprecedented demand, the Bexar Elections Department deployed additional voting equipment on the second day of early voting to support polling sites where high turnout is expected.
These locations include Fair Oaks Police Department, Helotes City Hall, Northwest Vista College, Schaefer Branch Library, Semmes Branch Library, Shavano Park City Hall, Valley Ranch and Windcrest Civic Center.
Voters are encouraged to allow extra time, since the ballot is lengthy and may contribute to longer lines.
Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30, while Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The hours for early voting are:
• First week: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Sunday: noon-6 p.m.
• Second‑week: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Early voting locations, schedules and additional election information are available at the Bexar County Elections website.
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