Early Voting Begins in Several States for Midterms

Early voting is underway or beginning soon for the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm election: Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina and Virginia opened polls Oct. 19, while West Virginia is set to begin Oct. 21. Turnout was strong in some areas, including 57,380 early and absentee votes in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, during the first four days, more than 34,000 votes in Travis County, Texas, on opening day, and over 7,000 votes in Montgomery County, Tennessee, in its first three days. Ballots include major federal and state contests, local races and ballot measures; Tennessee voters will decide on three constitutional amendments, and Rapides Parish, Louisiana, has local races, propositions and 10 proposed amendments. Texas’s competitive Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is drawing attention, while voters in Texas and Arkansas have cited national and local concerns and Texas faith leaders have urged early voting. Alabama advocates encouraged eligible voters, particularly students, to register ahead of the Oct. 19 deadline. Early-voting schedules and locations vary by jurisdiction, so officials advise voters to check local election information and plan ahead; Texas voters generally may use any early-voting center in their county, and voter ID rules vary by state.