Early voting in the 2026 midterm election is off to a strong start in the Texarkana region. By Friday morning, a combined total of 10,800 voters in Miller County, Arkansas, and Bowie County, Texas, had already submitted their ballots, according to local election officials.
County officials report solid participation
At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Bowie County Elections Administrator Pat McCoy said 8,162 residents had voted early, describing the turnout as “above average for a midterm election.” In Miller County, Clerk Stephanie Harvin reported 2,651 early voters by 11:30 a.m., noting the numbers are “about the same as previous elections.” Both officials expressed confidence that the community is engaged and ready to make its voice heard.
Statewide early‑vote numbers continue to rise
Statewide, Arkansas has seen 210,285 early or absentee votes cast through Thursday, representing 11.4% of the state’s registered voters, according to turnouttracker.com, which aggregates the Arkansas Secretary of State’s daily filings. In Texas, the Secretary of State’s data compiled by KXAN‑TV shows 2,747,350 early and absentee voters, or 14.4% of registered voters, have already participated.
Voting deadlines approach
Early voting in Arkansas will remain open through Monday, Nov. 2, while Texas voters have until Friday, Oct. 30 to cast their early ballots. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
McCoy encouraged Bowie County residents to vote early, suggesting they complete their ballots by Wednesday, Oct. 28, to avoid the typical surge in turnout during the final two days of early voting. This proactive approach aligns with the administration’s emphasis on civic responsibility and the importance of every vote in shaping our community’s future.
Local leaders continue to stress the value of participating in the democratic process, especially as midterm elections often set the tone for the remainder of President Trump’s term. By turning out early, voters help ensure a smooth election process and demonstrate the strength of our constitutional freedoms at the grassroots level.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
