In Denton County, Texas, early voting for the 2026 midterm election has surged to historic levels. Over 326,000 voters—nearly half of the county’s registered electorate—have already submitted their ballots, a 46% increase over the 2022 early‑voting total and closely approaching the participation rates typically seen in presidential elections.

Early‑voting growth reflects population rise and changing habits

County officials note that the jump in early ballots is driven both by continued population growth and by a shift in when residents choose to vote. Approximately 77% of 2022 voters who still reside in Denton County have already voted this year, and about 80% of those with a history of primary participation have done the same.

Both the Denton County Republican Party and the local Democratic organization have urged their supporters to vote early, allowing campaigns to concentrate their remaining outreach on voters who have not yet cast a ballot.

Party dynamics in early voting

Historical primary records show a larger pool of Republican‑affiliated voters in the county, yet Democratic‑primary voters have turned out at higher rates during this early‑voting period. Republicans still have nearly twice as many historical primary voters who have not yet voted early.

It is important to remember that primary voting history does not indicate how any individual will vote in the general election.

Senate race remains competitive

The early‑voting surge comes as Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico vie for the U.S. Senate seat. A new Quantus poll shows Paxton at 48.7% support and Talarico at 47.6%, with 2.2% of respondents undecided.

David Rettig, victory chair of the Denton County Republican Party, said the county is “reliably Republican” and expects the majority of Republican candidates to win comfortably, even as a few races remain competitive. He added that Denton County is likely to finish among Texas’s turnout leaders.

What voters need to know

Early voting concluded on Friday. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can find polling locations, sample ballots, and other local election information at VoteDenton.gov.

With early‑voting participation at record levels, Denton County residents are poised to play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of both local and statewide races this November.

Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.