Bexar County Banked More Than 284,000 Votes in Week One — Now Comes the Final Week of Early Voting

Bexar County's record midterm turnout now has its first-week number: more than 284,000 ballots were cast in Bexar County during the first week of early voting, according to turnout reporting published Monday, while Harris County recorded more than 624,000 first-week votes, including nearly 41,000 in-person votes on Sunday alone.

The volume has tested the counties running it. Long lines and waits of more than an hour appeared at some sites during the first week, the reporting said, prompting counties to add staff and equipment and to publish interactive maps showing locations and real-time wait estimates. Bexar's surge began with 42,776 ballots on the first day — the highest first-day turnout for a non-presidential election in county history — and has not let up since.

The final week runs on the longest hours of the election: Bexar County polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, when early voting closes, according to the county's published schedule. Registered Bexar County voters can cast a ballot at any early voting site in the county. Voters must present an approved form of photo identification, electronic devices are not allowed within 100 feet of polling locations, printed voter guides are welcome in the booth, and curbside voting is available at all voting centers. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.