Early voting began Monday across Texas, kicking off a two-week period in which voters will decide a series of closely watched federal, statewide, and local races. Initial figures from two of the state's politically distinct counties show both areas getting off to an active start, with the Republican stronghold of Montgomery County recording a stronger pace relative to its first-day turnout in 2024.

As of 9 a.m. Monday, Montgomery County had reached 83.1% of its total first-day turnout from 2024. Travis County, a Democratic stronghold that includes Austin, had reached 76.5% of its comparable 2024 total.

The figures compare each county's turnout at the same point on the opening day with the total number of voters who participated during the first day of early voting in 2024. Montgomery County's percentage was 6.6 points higher than Travis County's, suggesting the opening pace in the Republican-leaning county was stronger relative to its previous first-day total.

Both counties are important indicators of participation among voters in two different political environments. Montgomery County, located north of Houston, is a Republican stronghold in the state's fast-growing suburban region. Travis County, home to Austin and surrounding communities, is one of the state's most reliably Democratic counties. Their early turnout figures will be closely watched as the campaign season enters its final stretch.

However, the numbers should be viewed in context. The percentages do not represent the share of registered voters who have cast ballots, nor do they reveal how many Republicans or Democrats have voted. They also do not establish a statewide partisan advantage. The figures provide a snapshot of turnout in two counties, and participation could shift as early voting continues and additional county totals become available.

The November 3 ballot includes high-profile contests for governor, the U.S. Senate, lieutenant governor, attorney general and other statewide offices, along with races for Congress, the Texas Legislature and local positions. The results will help determine whether Republicans maintain their longstanding statewide dominance and whether Democrats can make gains in a midterm election that will also shape control of Congress.

Texas early voting runs through Friday, October 30, with Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. Registered voters can cast their ballots at an eligible early-voting location within their county of registration.

The first-day numbers offer an early measure of voter engagement, but the larger picture will become clearer as turnout reports arrive throughout the week. For Republicans, the stronger opening comparison in Montgomery County is an encouraging early indicator, though a broader assessment of the statewide race will require turnout data from more counties and the full early-voting period.