El Paso Records High Early Voting Turnout
Residents cast 22,000 ballots on the first day of early voting for the 2026 election, a 90% increase from 2022.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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El Paso voters participated in record-breaking numbers on the first day of early voting for the 2026 election. With 22,000 total ballots cast, the city recorded its second-highest first-day midterm turnout in history.
Why it matters
The surge in participation comes as the local electorate for residents over 65 has grown by 30% over the last four years. This demographic remains a key focus for local election administration due to specific state voting eligibility requirements.
The first-day turnout of 22,000 ballots represents the second-highest total on record for an El Paso midterm, trailing only the 2018 cycle. The figures include 17,500 in-person votes and nearly 5,000 mail-in ballots received by the elections office.
The players
Enrique Moreno El Paso County Courthouse
This facility serves as a primary voting and administrative site for El Paso County.
Bassett Place
This shopping center functions as a central hub for early voting operations in El Paso.
The details
Voters faced wait times of 30 minutes or more at the Bassett Place site, while the Enrique Moreno El Paso County Courthouse remained closed for most of Monday due to smoke. Texas law currently limits mail-in voting exclusively to individuals older than 65, those with disabilities, or citizens who are out of town.
Timeline
Monday, October 19, 2026: The first day of early voting for the 2026 election occurred.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026: The Enrique Moreno El Paso County Courthouse voting site is scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m.
Political Context
While local election turnout is surging, opposition groups continue to push for broader expansion of mail-in ballot access beyond the current Texas mail-in voting eligibility statutes. Advocates for voting access argue these restrictions create unnecessary hurdles for the growing population of elderly voters in the county.
Voters should be prepared for significant wait times at polling locations, especially at high-traffic sites like Bassett Place. Residents over 65 who qualify for mail-in ballots should ensure their requests are submitted promptly to accommodate local postal service timelines.
The takeaway
The sharp rise in early voting signals high voter engagement for the 2026 midterm cycle. Residents are encouraged to monitor local election office updates to confirm site availability before heading to the polls.
What happens next
The Enrique Moreno El Paso County Courthouse voting site is scheduled to resume operations on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Further reading
Find more information on local registration and candidate information on the El Paso Elections portal.
Live Poll
Do you believe rising early voting turnout in your area signals a healthier local democracy?
