Democracy was alive and well as Early Voting kicked off across Harris County on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 AM sharp. By the time polls closed at 7:00 PM, an impressive 10,702 in-person ballots had been cast, and 3,268 mail-in ballots were received — clear proof that voters are turning out early, informed, and energized for one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.

This year’s ballot packs a political punch — from the special election to succeed Congressman Sylvester Turner, to the race to replace Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer, along with school board contests and 17 proposed Texas constitutional amendments that could reshape policy at every level of government.

A Civic Duty and a Community Moment

Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who has led the county’s election operations since 2022, called the first day a success story of efficiency and civic pride.

“This election gives voters the power to shape the future of their country, their state, and their city,” said Hudspeth. “We’ve built a system that’s transparent, secure, and accessible — and it’s working. Every election teaches us how to make the next one even better.”

Hudspeth added that Harris County’s 70 early voting locations ran smoothly, thanks to “technical teams in clusters” ready to address any issues in real time. “So far, no hiccups or concerns. Our teams are dedicated, and every voting machine is audited, tested, and certified. We’re ready for the rush leading into Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.”

Where the Voters Are Showing Up

Some polls were buzzing from the moment doors opened. The Metropolitan Service Center on West Gray led the county with 662 voters, fueled by interest in congressional and city races that drew passionate Montrose residents.

Close behind, Juergens Hall in northwest Harris County saw 566 voters, many motivated by the chance to shape the direction of one of the state’s largest and most diverse school districts. The Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center in Cypress-Fairbanks followed with 500 ballots cast, as residents of Houston’s fastest-growing suburbs showed up early and in force.

The momentum didn’t stop there — Freeman Library in Clear Lake tallied 341 votes, while Prairie View A&M University’s campus site logged 340, underscoring the growing civic engagement among young and Black voters in the region.

Other high-energy polling sites included Jersey Village Community Center, Trini Mendenhall Community Center in Spring Branch, Bayland Park, and HCC Southwest Loop Campus, where turnout surged thanks to hotly contested Houston ISD and Bellaire City races.

Every Vote, Every Voice

Early Voting continues daily through Friday, October 31, giving Harris County residents plenty of opportunities to make their voices heard before Election Day.

“Voting early means avoiding long lines and ensuring your ballot is counted without delay,” Hudspeth reminded voters. “This is your city, your future — and your voice matters.”

Whether you live in Montrose, Missouri City, Bellaire, Third Ward, Sunnyside, Memorial or Cypress-Fairbanks, Harris County is proving that democracy doesn’t just happen on one Tuesday in November — it’s a community effort that starts early and continues strong.

Find your nearest polling location and voting hours at www.HarrisVotes.com and make your voice count this election season.