El Paso County experienced a noticeable decline in voter turnout during the May 2026 runoff elections compared to the March primary. According to the El Paso County Elections Department, only 19,011 early voters participated in person and through mail, out of a total of 527,613 registered voters in the county.

In contrast, the March primary saw 93,765 votes cast from 523,381 registered voters. This drop in participation underscores the ongoing challenge of encouraging voter engagement in local elections, which are crucial for shaping community policies and leadership.

Community Voices on Voting

Local voter Luis Lozano shared his perspective on the importance of participating in elections. Lozano emphasized that voting is a vital way to ensure one’s voice is heard and to prevent others from making decisions on one’s behalf. “If you don’t vote, then other folks will make that choice for you,” he stated.

As the community reflects on these turnout numbers, it serves as a reminder of the significance of every vote in determining the future direction of local governance. The El Paso County Elections Department continues to encourage residents to engage in the electoral process, recognizing the power of informed and active citizenship.

ABC-7 will provide ongoing updates on the election results both on air and online, keeping the community informed about the outcomes and implications of these local elections.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.