Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break Records or Fall Short? [Report: 368,309 Early Votes in Bexar County]

Early voting in the greater San Antonio area, particularly Bexar County, has seen historic turnout, with 368,309 voters participating by October 28. However, overall voter participation has decreased compared to 2020, with trends suggesting that records may not be broken. Despite optimism from election officials, the pace of daily voting remains below the levels needed to exceed previous turnout figures.

CONTENTS: Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break 

• Voting ID options and requirements.
• Election news, vaping ban, Diwali celebration.
• Record early voting, mixed turnout trends.

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break Records or Fall Short? [Report: 368,309 Early Votes in Bexar County]

Voting ID options and requirements

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  Voters have over 300 locations available for casting their ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as early voting has concluded and Election Day approaches. If you missed the early voting period, you can head to one of these sites, which include schools, libraries, churches, city halls, and community centers. Polling places will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  Polling sites in Bexar County for the upcoming election:

– Opportunity Home San Antonio: 818 S. Flores St. San Antonio, TX 78204

– Saint Philip of Jesus Catholic Church: 122 E. Lambert St. San Antonio, TX 78204

– St. Leo the Great Catholic Church: 4423 S. Flores St. San Antonio, TX 78214

– Luther Burbank High School: 1002 Edwards St. San Antonio, TX 78204

– St. James Apostle Catholic Church: 907 W. Theo Ave. San Antonio, TX 78225

– Charles Graebner Elementary School: 530 Hoover Ave. San Antonio, TX 78225

– Glenn Elementary School: 2385 Horal Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227

– Adams Elementary School: 135 E. Southcross Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78214

– Morrill Elementary School: 5200 S. Flores St. San Antonio, TX 78214

– Mission Branch Library: 3134 Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214

– Wright Elementary School: 115 E. Huff Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214

– Rayburn Elementary School: 635 Rayburn Dr. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Collier Elementary School: 834 W. Southcross Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78211

– Columbia Heights Elementary School: 1610 Fitch Ave. San Antonio, TX 78211

– Pease Middle School: 201 Hunt Ln. San Antonio, TX 78245

– Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation: 1626 W. Thompson Pl. San Antonio, TX 78226

– Gardendale Early Learning Program: 1731 Dahlgreen Ave. San Antonio, TX 78237

– Langley Elementary School: 14185 Bella Vista Pl. San Antonio, TX 78253

– Johnston Branch Library: 6307 Sun Valley Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227

– Frank Madla Elementary School: 6100 Royalgate Dr. San Antonio, TX 78242

– Five Palms Elementary School: 7138 Five Palms Dr. San Antonio, TX 78242

– Hidden Cove STEAM Academy: 5102 Trading Post Dr. San Antonio, TX 78242

– Miguel Carrillo, Jr. Elementary School: 500 Price Ave. San Antonio, TX 78211

– Cortez Branch Library: 2803 Hunter Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78224

– Palo Alto College: 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78224

– South San Antonio High School: 7535 Barlite Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78224

– Ramirez Community Center: 1011 Gillette Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78224

– Vestal Elementary School: 1102 Cantrell Dr. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Gillette Elementary School: 625 Gillette Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Precinct 1 Satellite Office: 3505 Pleasanton Rd. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Kingsborough Middle School: 422 Ashley Rd. San Antonio, TX 78221

– MOST Harlandale ISD Transportation: 12115 SE Loop 410 Acc Rd. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Myers Elementary School: 3031 Village Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78251

– Mission Del Lago Community Center: 2301 Del Lago Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78221

– City of Sandy Oaks Municipal Building: 22870 Priest Rd. Sandy Oaks, TX 78112

– Texas A&M University (San Antonio): One University Way San Antonio, TX 78224

– Bob Hope Elementary School: 3022 Reforma Dr. San Antonio, TX 78211

– Spicewood Park Elementary School: 11303 Tilson Dr. San Antonio, TX 78224

– Sky Harbour Elementary School: 5902 Fishers Bend St. San Antonio, TX 78242

– Judith A. Resnik Middle School: 4495 S.W. Verano Pkwy. Bldg 200 Von Ormy, TX 78073

– City of Von Ormy Municipal Court: 14729 Quarter Horse Von Ormy, TX 78073

– Somerset City Hall: 7360 E. 6th St. Somerset, TX 78069

– Southwest High School: 11960 Dragon Ln. San Antonio, TX 78252

– Luckey Ranch Elementary School: 12045 Luckey River San Antonio, TX 78252

– Adams Hill Elementary School: 9627 Adams Hill Dr. San Antonio, TX 78245

– Ott Elementary School: 100 N. Grosenbacher Rd. San Antonio, TX 78253

– Alan B. Shepard Middle School: 5558 Ray Ellison Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78242

– James Russell Lowell Middle School: 919 Thompson Pl. San Antonio, TX 78226

– Murnin Elementary School: 9019 Dugas San Antonio, TX 78251

– Big Country Elementary School: 2250 Pue Rd. San Antonio, TX 78245

– Lewis Elementary School: 1000 Seascape San Antonio, TX 78251

– Westwood Terrace Elementary School: 2315 Hackamore Ln. San Antonio, TX 78227

– Meadow Village Elementary School: 1406 Meadow Way Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227

– Guerra Branch Library: 7978 W. Military Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227

– Perales Elementary School: 1507 Ceralvo San Antonio, TX 78237

– Mission Academy: 9210 S. Presa St. San Antonio, TX 78223

– Vale Middle School: 2120 N. Ellison Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break 

– Northwest Vista College: 3535 N. Ellison Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251

– Evers Elementary School: 1715 Richland Hills Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251

– Cody Elementary School: 10403 Dugas San Antonio, TX 78245

– Carlos Coon Elementary School: 3110 Timber View Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251

– Southside ISD Administration Building: 1460 Martinez-Losoya Rd. San Antonio, TX 78221

– Galm Elementary School: 1454 Saxonhill Dr. San Antonio, TX 78253

– Behlau Elementary School: 2355 Camp Light Way San Antonio, TX 78245

– Raba Elementary School: 9740 Raba Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251

– Michael Elementary School: 3155 Quiet Plain Dr. San Antonio, TX 78245

– Christian Family Baptist Church: 1589 Grosenbacher San Antonio, TX 78245

– Mireles Elementary School: 12260 Rockwall Mill San Antonio, TX 78253

– Hoffmann Elementary School: 12118 Volunteer Parkway San Antonio, TX 78253

– Cole Elementary School: 13185 Tillman Ridge San Antonio, TX 78253

– Taft High School: 11600 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, TX 78253

– Hill Country Retreat: 4550 Del Webb Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78253

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break 

– Mora Elementary School: 1520 American Lotus San Antonio, TX 78245

– Hatchett Elementary School: 10700 Ingram Rd. San Antonio, TX 78245

– Bexar County Elections Department: 1103 S. Frio St. Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78207

– Sidney Lanier High School: 1514 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78207

– Antonio Margil Elementary School: 1000 Perez St. San Antonio, TX 78207

– Frank Garrett Multi Service Center: 1226 N.W. 18th St. San Antonio, TX 78207

– Our Lady of the Lake University: 411 S.W. 24th St. San Antonio, TX 78207

– Shepherd King Lutheran Church: 303 W. Ramsey Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216

– Marin B. Fenwick Academy: 1930 Waverly Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228

– Gus Garcia University School: 3306 Ruiz St. San Antonio, TX 78228

– Collins Garden Branch Library: 200 N. Park Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78204

– Edgewood Gym: 4133 Eldridge Ave. San Antonio, TX 78237

– Memorial Branch Library: 3222 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228

– Woodlawn Hills Elementary School: 110 W. Quill Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228

– H. W. Longfellow Middle School: 1130 E. Sunshine Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228

– St. Paul Community Center: 1201 Donaldson Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228

– Neff Middle School: 5227 Evers Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238

– Joe Ward Recreation Center: 435 E Sunshine Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228

– Sarah King Elementary School: 1001 Ceralvo St. San Antonio, TX 78207

– Laurel Heights United Methodist Church: 227 W. Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212

– Huisache Avenue Baptist Church: 1339 W. Huisache Ave. San Antonio, TX 78201

– Villarreal Elementary School

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  Acceptable forms of identification for voting include a Texas driver’s license, a Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), a Texas personal identification card from DPS, a Texas handgun license from DPS, a U.S. military ID card with a photo, a U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo, or a U.S. passport.

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  If residents do not possess any of the acceptable forms of ID and cannot reasonably obtain one, they have options available. They can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at their polling location and present one of the following supporting documents:

– A copy or original government document displaying the voter’s name and address, such as a voter registration certificate
– A copy or original current utility bill
– A copy or original bank statement
– A copy or original government check
– A copy or original paycheck
– A copy or original of (a) a certified domestic birth certificate (from a U.S. state or territory) or (b) a court-admissible document confirming birth that establishes the voter’s identity, which may include a foreign birth document.

Election news, vaping ban, Diwali celebration

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break 

Final Day for Early Voting in Bexar County: Today marks the last day for early voting ahead of the November 5 election. The Elections Department reports that 515,207 residents have already voted since early voting began last week. The county’s 51 polling places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voter interviews during this early voting period revealed a range of political opinions. Many Trump supporters express greater trust in him compared to Democrat Kamala Harris on economic issues, while women voters emphasize the importance of restoring abortion rights and supporting public education.

Voter Sentiment: Lifelong Democrat Dianne Montalvo is motivated to vote for candidates who oppose school vouchers and to prevent Trump from regaining the presidency. Straight-ticket Democratic voter Ernest Barrientos hopes this election will change Texas’s political landscape. Some polls indicate close races, particularly the Senate contest between Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Colin Allred. A controversial joke made by Trump about Puerto Rico has resonated negatively among Latino voters, especially Puerto Ricans, potentially impacting Trump’s chances in swing state Pennsylvania, where over 90,000 Puerto Ricans reside.

Vaping Ban in San Antonio: The San Antonio City Council voted to include e-cigarettes in the city’s smoking ban, prohibiting their use in all designated smoke-free areas. District 9 Councilmember John Courage noted that this is just the beginning of measures to address vaping. The ban applies to areas within 20 feet of outdoor public transit stations, enclosed public spaces, and stadiums. Council members cited growing evidence of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, particularly among youth, as a key reason for the update.

Resignation in Bexar County Civil Rights Division: The director of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant DA Jeffery Mulliner, announced his resignation, effective November 14. Appointed earlier this year, Mulliner’s division deals with officer-involved shootings, custodial deaths, and excessive force allegations. The DA’s office will promptly begin the search for his successor and aims to prevent any disruption in ongoing cases.

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break 

National Spike in Walking Pneumonia Cases: Reports indicate a rise in walking pneumonia cases across the nation, including San Antonio. Dr. Tess Barton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, explained that walking pneumonia often resembles a common cold initially. She emphasized the importance of staying home when sick to prevent spreading infections. A mycoplasma pneumonia outbreak typically occurs every few years, and this year shows a trend of increased susceptibility due to lower immunity.

Diwali Celebration This Weekend: A festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness will take place this weekend, featuring music, culture, and Indian cuisine. Pallavi Nemani from Anuja SA, the festival’s organizers, noted that the food offerings represent both Northern and Southern Indian traditions, along with fusion dishes that blend Texan and Indian flavors. The festivities will commence at the Arneson River Theater and extend to Hemisfair Park and Civic Park downtown, starting at 4:30 p.m. and continuing until midnight.

Successful Dogtober Fall Festival: Nearly 200 dogs and cats found new homes during the Dogtober Fall Festival organized by San Antonio’s Animal Care Services. The event set a departmental record with 176 adoptions. Leading up to the festival, shelter staff and volunteers prepared by creating entertainment areas, pet meet-and-greet spots with selfie stations, and vibrant signage throughout the shelter.

Record early voting, mixed turnout trends

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  This election cycle is poised to set records in several counties around the greater San Antonio area, including Bexar, Kendall, and Comal counties, amidst a highly contentious political climate. Early voting this year has seen unprecedented turnout, but the additional week of early voting in 2020 might mean that Bexar County, which encompasses San Antonio, may not exceed previous early voting totals or overall election turnout.

According to the Texas Tribune, voter participation has decreased statewide compared to 2020, with 15.1% of registered voters casting ballots in the first three days of voting, down from 15.7% during the same period in 2020. This decline may be partially attributed to an increase in the number of registered voters in Texas, which has risen to 18.6 million—about 1.7 million more than in 2020. In 2020, overall voter turnout reached approximately 67%, a modern record for Texas, which typically struggles with low voter participation.

While Texas is offering two weeks of early voting in 2024, compared to three weeks in 2020 due to the pandemic, there were also more mail-in ballots emphasized during that election cycle. By the end of early voting on October 28, Bexar County reported about 368,309 voters had participated, with long lines forming as residents eagerly cast their ballots in the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With 1,294,889 registered voters in Bexar County, nearly one-third had already voted by that date, including nearly 370,000 in-person early voters and over 11,000 mail-in ballots received.

Unprecedented Early Voting Turnout: Will It Break  Election officials noted consistent record turnout at polling places since early voting began, but to surpass 2020 numbers, a strong finish is needed. Current trends show about 48,000 to 49,000 voters showing up daily, which would still fall short of the 2020 figures. If the pace continues, Bexar County’s turnout could reach around 570,000 votes, yet still fall nearly 30,000 votes behind the 2020 early voting turnout. The extra week of voting in the last presidential election significantly bolstered those numbers compared to the 475,999 early votes cast in 2016.

Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen expressed optimism about the turnout, noting a 14.3% participation rate, which she deemed impressive. She pointed out that more than 25,000 early votes were cast in a single day during the early voting period, emphasizing that such participation in just a few days is comparable to some city, school, and amendment elections.

In Kendall County, where 78.6% of voters turned out in 2020, the turnout this year has already surpassed the total from 2016 and is approaching the early voting percentage from that year with several days still remaining. The Kendall County elections department celebrated their record daily turnout on October 25, encouraging voters to continue making their voices heard.