Early Voting Starts in Texas and Florida

Voters hit the polls in key states as campaigns ramp up efforts to secure support from a diverse electorate.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a symbolic ballot box casting slot, representing the ongoing early voting process in national elections. — Early voting has officially commenced across Texas and major Florida counties as candidates intensify their outreach efforts in critical upcoming congressional and gubernatorial elections. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe current national approval ratings for the president accurately predict upcoming midterm election results?

Early voting is officially underway across Texas and most Florida counties. Campaigns are intensifying their focus on Hispanic voters in these states as key congressional and gubernatorial contests take center stage.

Why it matters

Candidates are aggressively targeting Hispanic voters to gain an edge in competitive races for governor and seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Voters in these regions are highlighting immigration, public safety, and living costs as primary concerns heading to the ballot box.

Latinos represent 40% of the population in Texas and 28.7% in Florida. Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic voters is currently 24%, marking a decline from 38% in February 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who faces changing support levels among specific demographic groups.

Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott is the Governor of Texas and a central figure in the state's electoral landscape.

Ken Paxton

Ken Paxton serves as the Attorney General of Texas and is a prominent candidate in the current Senate race.

María Elvira Salazar

María Elvira Salazar is a politician currently vying for a seat in the House of Representatives within Florida.

Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds is an active candidate running for the Florida governorship.

The details

Voters are casting their choices through early and mail-in voting mechanisms in high-profile races featuring candidates such as Byron Donalds, David Jolly, María Elvira Salazar, Eliott Rodríguez, Ken Paxton, James Talarico, Greg Abbott, and Gina Hinojosa. These contests are being closely watched in areas like Miami-Dade County and Doral due to their high concentration of Hispanic residents.

February 2025 was when Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic voters stood at 38%.
October 19, 2026, marked the beginning of early voting in Texas and most Florida counties.
October 2026 is when Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic voters dropped to 24%.

Political Context

Opposing parties argue that the expansion of mail-in and early voting mechanisms creates significant security vulnerabilities in the democratic process. Critics often cite concerns over ballot harvesting and verification processes as potential risks to the integrity of the vote.

The start of early voting allows residents to bypass election day queues and secure their votes ahead of time. Voters should verify their local polling locations and mail-in requirements to ensure their ballots are cast and counted in accordance with state laws.

The takeaway

Voters should confirm their specific county requirements for early and mail-in voting as rules can vary between jurisdictions. Planning ahead allows for a smoother experience and ensures that ballots reach election officials before the final deadline.