AUSTIN, Texas - Record or near-record turnouts are being reported in some of Texas' largest counties for early voting, in advance of the Nov. 6 election.

This is the final week for early voting in Texas, and poll-watchers who are doing their part to ensure the process is fair say voting early is a good idea - especially if you think there might be problems finding your polling place or proving your identity. It means having a little bit of extra time to resolve those questions, most likely at a county election office.

Luis Figueroa, an attorney with the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), one of the groups on "election protection" watch, says they're already hearing some of the usual complaints, such as poll workers closing for lunch breaks.

"We have heard about election officials asking for identification that is not necessarily required under the current law. We have had some concerns about electronic voting machines."

Figueroa says MALDEF has a toll-free number for reporting voting-related concerns: 877-224-5476.

With all the controversy about voter ID laws in Texas, Figueroa says it's important to remember that photo identification is not required - although it can come in handy if you have it. Poll workers are confirming three things: your identity, that they give you the correct ballot for your precinct in early voting, and that you're voting in the right place on Election Day. Figueroa says redistricting has meant many polling sites have changed.

"They do use the identification to match you up to their statewide voter database list and to the list of names that they have, and make sure that you're at the right place, and that you're not on what's called a 'suspense list.' "

The “suspense list” includes names of voters for whom their county needs to update information, or those who are registered but haven't voted for a long time. Figueroa says voters should bring the Voter Registration Certificate to the polling site with them.

If you haven't received your certificate or you're unsure of the status of your registration, he says, now is the time to contact the county election office.

Volunteers are working at a frantic pace to remind Texas' almost 13 million registered voters to take the all-important step and use their right. At the Southwest Voter Education Project, vice president Lydia Camarillo says the process should intimidate no one.

"We like to look at the glass half-full, not half-empty. We've registered voters; we stopped the voter ID law from taking place. So now, right now, I'm just hoping that as we contact the voters, we share with them - especially those that are new voters - it really is a process that, once you understand it, is not that difficult."

Camarillo sees every vote as, in her words, "a weapon to fight for what's just."


get more stories like this via email

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some momentum shifts.

In early July, ARRP released survey results in Wisconsin following the debate between President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump. At that point, Trump had a six-percentage point lead among voters 18 and up in the Badger State. Fast forward to September, and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris leads Trump by a single point for that same demographic in a new Wisconsin poll conducted after their debate.

Pollster Bob Ward described what specifically changed following the summer shakeup on the Democratic ticket.

"The movement among Independents, where Trump was ahead of Biden by five points two months ago, and now Harris is ahead by 11 points," he explained.

The single-point lead for Harris is for a head-to-head matchup question. It's slightly larger when factoring in third-party candidates. However, among Wisconsin voters 50 and older, Trump is ahead by two points. He also maintains more support among male voters around the state, while Harris is strongly backed by women in this latest poll.

The Biden administration has touted its efforts to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees, including price negotiations with drugmakers. There's been chatter among Republicans about rolling back those provisions. But Ward said based on the polling data, tinkering with those moves would not sit well with voters.

"We asked this question back in July in Wisconsin, and again here in this poll, and the choice between, you know, supporting a member of Congress who wants to continue negotiating lower drug prices is at 79% - versus support for the member who wants to end negotiating for lower drug prices, [which is] 8%," he said.

The balance of power in the U.S. Senate also is being closely watched this election. In the AARP Wisconsin poll, incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin holds a three-point lead over Republican challenger Eric Hovde among all likely voters.

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election.

The latest reports from the Center for Election Innovation and Research shed some light on expanded early voting options across the U.S., including in Ohio.

Chris Mann, research director at the center, highlighted some key details for Ohio voters.

"The weekend days that are required in Ohio, that accessibility of early in-person voting, is a really important piece of information for folks who work a traditional workweek," Mann pointed out. "If it's close or if there are close races within Ohio, that process will be playing out about counting mail ballots after Election Day."

According to the center's reports, nearly 97% of U.S. voting-age citizens will have at least one option to vote before Election Day, whether by mail or in person. During the 2020 general election, 69% of votes were cast before Election Day. That's up from 40% in 2016, demonstrating a growing reliance on early voting methods nationwide.

David Becker executive director of the center, said while Ohio's early voting system has been historically accessible, recent changes in ballot return procedures could present challenges for some voters.

"There have been efforts recently, coming from the Secretary of State's office, to make it more difficult for voters to return, for instance, their spouse's ballot or other family members' ballots," Becker noted. "And requiring them to actually come down to the election office and sign a form."

As Ohio prepares for the November election, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting options and stay informed about any new regulations. With 47 states offering early voting, Ohio's approach reflects national trends aimed at increasing participation while maintaining election integrity.


get more stories like this via email

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat.

The new survey from the Center for the Future of Arizona found just as many believe their vote could improve democracy.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said with fewer than 50 days until Election Day, there are important issues on the ballot for Arizonans across the political spectrum and it isn't too late to take action.

"I want people finding candidates and causes they believe in, and get out and work on those campaigns," Stanton urged. "Become a volunteer, knock on doors, make calls, become a 'super voter,' if you will."

Stanton's challenger this year is Republican Kelly Cooper, who also ran against him in 2022. Voters in the Grand Canyon State will weigh in, not only on candidates at the national, state and local levels but will decide on more than a dozen statewide propositions. Check your voter registration status online at My.Arizona.Vote.

Stanton acknowledged there are bad actors out there who may want to drive down voter turnout but encouraged Arizonans to remain resilient. The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct. 7, a date he wants younger voters to pay close attention to.

"Maybe you're at Arizona State University, which is in my district, you come from another location, register to vote here," Stanton suggested. "We want you to participate in this election, and to have your voice heard for what's going on, not just in education issues but all of the variety of issues that affect your future."

Stanton contended across the country, younger voters need to participate at higher levels and calls it "good for democracy." A recent poll from Florida Atlantic University found 55% of people ages 18-34 said they're "dissatisfied" with their lives. Stanton hopes their dissatisfaction fuels greater turnout among young voters who want change.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


get more stories like this via email