Awesome job, Texas Democrats! You've been absolutely crushing it in early voting and breaking records all across the state! I'm so proud of what we have accomplished so far.
Via Texas Observer:
The first few days of early voting saw record turnout in Texas. By day four, more voters had gone to the polls than in the first seven days of voting in 2008. And historically, the early voting period is a good time for the Republican Party in Texas. Republicans typically vastly outperform Democrats, guaranteeing a greater percentage of banked votes for the GOP ahead of Election Day.
Not this year.
A larger percentage of Democratic voters have been turning out in the 20 most populous counties in the first seven days of early voting, according to an analysis by Derek Ryan, an Austin-based political strategist who works for Republicans.
“Not as many Republicans percentage-wise have shown up because they’re not as enthusiastic,” said Ryan.
Unenthusiastic Republicans. In Texas! Gotta love it.
Though the presidential race will likely still favor Trump in Texas, the higher early voter turnout portends well for Democrats in local races, said Colin Strother, a Democratic political strategist. The boost in voter turnout could provide an advantage to Democrat Pete Gallego, who lost the 23rd congressional district seat by fewer than 2,000 votes in 2014 and former state Representative Mary Ann Perez, who lost her seat by 152 votes to Republican Gilbert Peña in 2014.
“If vote totals continue on this trajectory, history shows that Democrats will do well,” he said.
Obviously, if Hillary bucks the odds and actually wins Texas it would be an electoral earthquake of the highest order. But even if she comes up a little short, it would probably be a huge day for the state legislature and flip a U.S. House seat or two (or three?). And since Democrats winning the House will be a game of inches...every inch counts.
One other wild card to throw in there: You know that "crazy" Florida poll that had 28% of GOP early voters switching over to Hillary? If that's even close to reality in Florida, perhaps it might be happening in Texas as well. After all, there are a ton of suburban women and Latino voters in the state. I guess we'll find out in a few days!
IMPORTANT: There are only two days left of early voting Texas (Thursday and Friday). The last day is always a madhouse, so vote today if you haven't already and bank it for the blue team! And don't forget to remind your Hillary-supporting friends and family to do the same.
To find your nearest early voting location, go to MyTexasVotes.org. Also, here are links for some major metropolitan counties with numerous convenient voting locations:
Bexar County
Dallas County
El Paso County
Harris County
Tarrant County
Travis County
For additional info, including what voter ID you should bring along, visit VoteTexas.gov.
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