Record Texas Early Voting as Midterm Races Near

Texas opened early voting with record-setting participation in several counties: Bexar recorded 42,776 ballots, Dallas more than 76,000, Harris over 104,600 and Travis 40,777. Long lines led officials to add equipment and advise voters to allow extra time; voters still in line when polls close may vote, but officials and analysts cautioned that first-day totals do not predict overall turnout or party advantage. The surge coincides with a closely watched Senate contest between James Talarico and Ken Paxton, as well as statewide and local races. In North Carolina, legislative contests—including incumbent Tricia Cotham’s race—could determine whether Republicans retain a state House supermajority. Early voting continues through Oct. 30 in Texas and Oct. 31 in North Carolina, ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3, when all 435 House seats and a closely contested Senate map will shape the balance of power and President Donald Trump’s agenda.