Texas Early Vote: Wait Times Drop as Candidates Chase the Last 13.5 Million

Wait times at early voting locations dropped across the Austin metro on Wednesday. It is unclear whether the initial rush has ended or if voters are simply pausing before a final Friday push. Campaigns for both parties are now focusing their efforts on independent voters who have not yet cast a ballot.

The Secretary of State’s Office reported that 5.5 million Texans have voted early. That figure represents 29% of the 19 million registered voters in the state. Turnout is currently tracking slightly ahead of the 2022 midterm election. However, it remains well below the rates seen in recent presidential years, which saw 9.7 million early votes in 2020 and 9.1 million in 2024.

Greg Groogan, a commentator for FOX 26, noted on the Battleground Texas show that Texas suburbs have shifted toward a more balanced political stance. He argued that this midterm election may provide evidence for that change. Steven Dial of FOX4 questioned how campaigns are reaching the remaining voters. He asked who is left to be influenced after five million people have already participated.

In Congressional District 37, which includes much of east Austin, incumbent Democrat Greg Casar has already voted. He urged supporters to ignore negative late-stage advertising. Casar told voters that social media reactions do not equal proof. He described the final days as a time to take a breath rather than react to confident influencers or viral posts.

Lauren Pena, the Republican challenger in District 37, described her strategy as a grassroots effort. She expects Republican turnout to increase in the coming days. Pena identified a large population of independents in the district as the key source of remaining votes. She believes these undecided voters will cast their ballots in the final days.

Early voting concludes on Friday, Oct. 30. There will be no voting on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.