First day of early voting brings in 5,000+ Brazos County voters

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Monday was the first day of early voting in Texas, and 5,144 people have already cast their vote in Brazos county for the current election.

Trudy Hancock, elections administrator for Brazos County, told KBTX this election is already bucking trends.

“We have hit the ground running today,” Hancock boasted. “We usually run 50/50. 50% early and 50% election day. I have a feeling this time, a lot of people are going to vote early.”

As far as first-day jitters, Hancock said it was a smooth day of voting.

“We’ve had a few little technical issues like ballot paper getting jammed and things like that, but nothing to halt voting,” explained Hancock.

Bryan native Jeremy Zamora said he was eager to cast his vote.

“I think it’s important, as an American citizen, to do your due diligence as your right to vote and have your voice be heard,” Zamora shared.

Hancock said it was a large turnout today, and areas like Robertson County are experiencing the same influx of voters with the same amount of foot traffic in a day as it would in a week.

“Just remember, once you’re in that line, you’re within that 100-foot marker, so there is no electioneering. No shirts, buttons, hats for candidates; just be sure that you’re mindful of that,” advised Hancock.

Although lines were a little long on day one, Zamora said election workers quickly and efficiently kept voters moving.

“Do your due diligence of who you want in the office and running the country,” Zamora added.

For those not voting in person but nervous about their ballots being received due to post office issues, Hancock has a pro tip.

“If you’re worried about the post office, your ballot having to go out of town and then come back, you can go to the post office on Boonville and walk your ballot in. They will hand stamp it and put it in a box, and they deliver them to us daily,” suggested Hancock.

A mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5 and received by 5 p.m. the following day. That may be a tight turnaround, so Hancock advises all to send out your ballot as early as possible.

Find more information on local election information with KBTX’s Election Headquarters. Early voting runs through November 1.

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