TYLER, Texas – Early voting for the November general election began Monday in Smith County, offering voters flexibility at five polling sites across the county. Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said the county had recorded about 810 voters by Monday morning, moving toward the goal of 1,000 early voters.
Early voting numbers and locations
The Hub location alone saw nearly 200 voters since polls opened at 8 a.m. Allcon described the flow as “a slow trickle of people from 8:00 a.m. at all of our polling locations.” She noted that presidential elections typically draw higher participation, citing roughly 82,000 early voters in the 2024 presidential race compared with about 50,000 in the 2022 midterms.
Based on current trends, Allcon estimates early voting this year could reach around 60,000 before the Oct. 30 deadline. She encouraged residents to visit smith-county.com for detailed information on locations, hours, and voting procedures.
Hours and accessibility
All voting sites share the same schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starting next Monday, weekday hours will shift to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing even more flexibility for working voters.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.
Mail‑in ballot options
Voters who cannot attend a polling site in person may apply for a mail‑in ballot. The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 23. Eligible mail‑in voters include those 65 or older, individuals with a disability, residents who will be absent from the county during early voting and on Election Day, persons confined in jail without a felony conviction, and expectant mothers due to give birth within three weeks of Election Day.
Sample ballots are available on the county website and at the elections office. Allcon urged voters to review the sample ballots ahead of time and bring a marked list of their choices to the polling place, helping to keep lines moving smoothly.
Community impact
By offering multiple locations, extended hours, and mail‑in options, Smith County aims to make voting as accessible as possible for families, seniors, and working adults. The early‑voting effort reflects the county’s commitment to civic participation and ensures that residents have ample opportunity to have their voices heard in the upcoming gubernatorial and legislative races.
For the latest updates, voters should check the official Smith County elections website or contact the elections office directly.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
