Last updated: Nov 04, 2024

Texas

Memos

State Report: Texas 2024

In Texas, election administration functions in a seemingly constant back-and-forth between urban election offices, state officials, and the state judiciary. Local officials in the state’s largest counties — Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and Travis— have tested the limits of Republican state leaders through the expansion of progressive election policy, especially since the election of Donald Trump in 2016.

This report will explore the interactions between municipal and state administrators over the last four years, and what issues onlookers might expect to arise in the administration of the November 2024 election and its aftermath. Through an exploration of historical election data, election administration policy changes, and an evaluation of administration performance in recent elections, this report will address Texas’ election-related strengths and weaknesses as we inch closer to November.

Memo / August 01, 2024
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State Resources

Texas Secretary of State

Elections Division

Data Visualizations

Voter Registration

Last updated October 2, 2024

This scatterplot compares the number of registered voters in each county in Texas in 2020 to the number registered in that county in 2024. All of the changes are clustered lie very close to a line where y=x, so that no county stands out as having a major population change. However counties with large populations tended to see slight increases, and counties with small populations tended to see slight decreases.

This scatterplot compares the number of registered voters in each county in Texas in 2020 to the number registered in that county in 2024. All of the changes are clustered lie very close to a line where y=x, so that no county stands out as having a major population change. However counties with large populations tended to see slight increases, and counties with small populations tended to see slight decreases.

 

Last updated October 2, 2024

This map of Texas colours its counties by the amount that their population increased or decreased from the 2020 primary season to the 2024 primary season. Broadly, the Eastern half of the state, and particularly the large urban centers, have seen population increases, while populations have declined across the Western half of the state , especially northwest Texas and the panhandle.

This map of Texas colours its counties by the amount that their population increased or decreased from the 2020 primary season to the 2024 primary season. Broadly, the Eastern half of the state, and particularly the large urban centers, have seen population increases, while populations have declined across the Western half of the state , especially northwest Texas and the panhandle.

Mail Voting

Last updated November 4, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 350,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Four days before the 2020 election, around 940,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 8.6 million and had reached about 8.8 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 350,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Four days before the 2020 election, around 940,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 8.6 million and had reached about 8.8 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.
Previous Mail Voting Graphs

November 1, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 320,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Five days before the 2020 election, around 920,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 7.6 million and had reached about 8.1 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 320,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Five days before the 2020 election, around 920,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 7.6 million and had reached about 8.1 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 31, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 290,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Six days before the 2020 election, around 890,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 7.0 million and had reached about 7.7 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 290,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Six days before the 2020 election, around 890,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 7.0 million and had reached about 7.7 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 30, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 290,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Seven days before the 2020 election, around 870,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 6.4 million and had reached about 7.3 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to over 290,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. Seven days before the 2020 election, around 870,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 6.4 million and had reached about 7.3 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 29, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to almost 280,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 8 days before the 2020 election, around 850,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 5.8 million and had reached almost 7.0 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to almost 280,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 8 days before the 2020 election, around 850,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 5.8 million and had reached almost 7.0 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 28, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 265,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 9 days before the 2020 election, around 820,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 5.0 million and had reached 6.5 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 265,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 9 days before the 2020 election, around 820,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 5.0 million and had reached 6.5 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 25, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 225,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 12 days before the 2020 election, around 770,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 3.2 million and had reached 5.6 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 225,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 12 days before the 2020 election, around 770,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 3.2 million and had reached 5.6 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 24, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 200,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 13 days before the 2020 election, around 720,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 2.4 million and had reached 5.2 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to just over 200,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 13 days before the 2020 election, around 720,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 2.4 million and had reached 5.2 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 23, 2024

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to about 175,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 14 days before the 2020 election, around 680,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 1.6 million and had reached 4.6 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

The unofficial count of mail and in person early voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots by mail has risen gradually to about 175,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 14 days before the 2020 election, around 680,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot. Though in-person early votes are currently at around 1.6 million and had reached 4.6 million in 2020, in person early began 22 days before the election in 2020 compared to 16 days before the election in 2024.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 21, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to about 130,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 17 days before the 2020 election, around 550,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to about 130,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 17 days before the 2020 election, around 550,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 18, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to about 115,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 19 days before the 2020 election, around 475,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to about 115,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 19 days before the 2020 election, around 475,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 17, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to just under 100,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 20 days before the 2020 election, around 420,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to just under 100,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 20 days before the 2020 election, around 420,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 16, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to around 86,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 22 days before the election, around 370,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to around 86,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 22 days before the election, around 370,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 15, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to around 76,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 22 days before the election, nearly 310,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen to around 76,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 22 days before the election, nearly 310,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 11, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 28,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 26 days before the 2020 election, nearly 220,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 28,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 26 days before the 2020 election, nearly 220,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 10, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 24,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 27 days before the election, nearly 180,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 24,000. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 27 days before the election, nearly 180,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 9, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 21,500. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 28 days before the election, nearly 140,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 21,500. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 28 days before the election, nearly 140,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 7, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 15,000 with a slight leveling off this past weekend. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election), at which point just over 76,000 Texans had voted by mail.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 15,000 with a slight leveling off this past weekend. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election), at which point just over 76,000 Texans had voted by mail.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.

October 8, 2024

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 18,500. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 29 days before the election, just over 100,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

The unofficial count of mail voters in Texas since September 29th 2024. The number of Texans who have returned their ballots has risen gradually to around 18,500. Data for 2020 began on October 4th (30 days before the election) and was noticeably higher than at the equivalent point in 2024. 29 days before the election, just over 100,000 Texans had returned their mail-in ballot.

Note: Values may change over time as county election officials finish reporting the number of ballots received.