By now Americans have seen countless campaign advertisements blasting someone’s record or character, their phone continues buzzing from poll calls or campaigns to make one last push to get out the vote for Tuesday’s Election Day. Although it sometimes seems there is an effort by some to split the country into opposing teams, Red versus Blue, many of us believe we are on the same one, regardless of jersey — working together and fighting for the United States to win the World Championship.
There are an estimated 28.1 million people living in Texas, comprising the second most populous state in the nation. Yet, the state ranks 46th in voter turnout nationally. The only states that perform worse than the Lone Star State are Tennessee, Arkansas, West Virginia and Hawaii. This means many in-state are not participating at the ballot box, and that doesn’t bode well for democracy.
As the early voting period closes and Election Day is less than 24 hours away, the following is a glimpse at voter turnout in Texas so far and some of the elected offices on the ballot. HornSports is not a venue for bashing political teams or player candidates, this is just for united Americans interested in the data and facts, something all appreciate and deserve. When all are respectively engaged, demanding truth and actively voting, America wins and so do future generations!
A Decade of Voting in Texas
A Decade of Early Voting in Texas
Texas Turnout Takeaways:
About four million Texans who are of voting age aren’t even registered to vote
During presidential elections, about 40% of those who are registered to vote don’t cast a vote
During midterm elections when Texans are electing a Governor and other statewide elected officials, two-thirds of Texans who are registered don’t participate
During presidential elections, less than half of those of voting age in Texas vote – leaving 50% of the state determining the election outcome
During midterm elections when Texans are electing a Governor and other statewide elected officials, ¾ of Texans who are of voting age don’t participate – leaving 25% determining the election outcome
Trends show levels of voter turnout for 2018 is similar to 2016 presidential
Early vote totals in the 15 most populous counties has already surpassed the early vote in 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns
Midterms in Texas over the last ten years have shown nearly a 50% drop in voter turnout
Through day 8 of early vote, on average 7% of those voting in the 15 most populous counties are new voters
Through day 8 of early vote, on average 26.7% of those voting in the 15 most populous counties have never voted in a primary but have voted in general elections
