Texas' Most Populous Counties See Higher Early Voter Turnout

Increased participation in the first days of early voting compared to previous primaries

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In the first few days of early voting for the Texas primaries, the state's most populous counties like Harris and Travis have seen a significant increase in voter turnout compared to the past two primary elections. Experts say this could signal a shift in voter engagement, with more Texans participating in the March primaries, which historically have low turnout.

Why it matters

Higher early voter turnout in Texas' largest counties is an important indicator of increased political engagement, as the March primaries typically see lower participation levels. This could lead to more representative candidates being nominated by each party and better reflect the priorities of the broader Texas electorate.

The details

In Harris County, there were 45,724 votes cast in the first two days of early voting, a 35.5% increase from 2024 and a 73% increase from 2022. In Travis County, 22,314 votes were cast in the first two days, a 196% increase from 2022 and a 116% increase from 2024. Statewide, the Democratic primary has received about 13,000 more votes than the Republican primary after three days of early voting.

  • Early voting for the Texas primaries began on February 20, 2026.
  • The first two days of early voting saw the increased turnout in Harris and Travis counties.

The players

Harris County

The most populous county in Texas.

Travis County

The county that includes the state capital of Austin.

March Matters

A non-partisan group working to energize and educate more Texas voters to participate in the March primary elections.

Texas Impact

A faith-based advocacy network partnering with March Matters to encourage congregations to get out and vote.

Texas Realtors Association

An organization that is sharing election information with its members, who often work with new Texas voters.

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What they’re saying

“Voting is a matter of faith. It's a kind of prayer that you offer up your votes to help determine the kind of community that we live in together.”

— Bee Moorhead, Executive Director, Texas Impact (myhighplains.com)

“A lot of people are still moving here, and maybe it's not the same in their states where the primaries aren't quite so important and maybe more of the game is in the general. But here in Texas, this is a primary state.”

— Brandon Alderete, Political Affairs Director, Texas Realtors Association (myhighplains.com)

What’s next

Experts will continue to monitor voter turnout in the remaining days of early voting and on election day to see if the increased participation in the state's largest counties holds steady.

The takeaway

The surge in early voter turnout in Texas' most populous counties suggests a growing political engagement among Texans, which could lead to more representative candidates being nominated in the March primaries and better reflect the priorities of the broader state electorate.