Early voting has begun for the midterm elections, which will determine the country’s direction for the next two years. While candidates continue to pour everything into their campaigns and strive to capture voters’ attention, people are ready to raise their voices and show their discontent or support for the various platforms proposed by politicians seeking power.
In Harris County, for example, polling places were crowded in the early hours of the morning on November 19, the date the early voting period began. It was enough to check social media to see countless posts from people who had already managed to vote.
Regardless of the party you vote for, what matters is participation and letting your voice count in the decisions of this country, the state of Texas, and Harris County.
In 2024, during the presidential elections, more than 9 million Texans voted in person during the two weeks of early voting or submitted their absentee ballots before November 1. This represents 48.6% of the total registered voters, according to a report from the Texas Tribune.
Meanwhile, in 2020, an estimated 9.7 million people, i.e., 57.2% of registered voters, went to the polls or submitted their ballot during the early voting period here in the Lone Star State.
Here in Houston, thousands have expressed their urgency to vote against the current economic situation the country is experiencing, citing the high costs of fuel and basic goods as a starting point. Others have protested and asserted that they voted against what Donald Trump’s immigration platform represents, especially as scenes of tragedy in the streets of the city have already been seen, similar to those once shown on television in other cities.
The death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on July 7 at the hands of ICE agents has left discontent in the community and in some, regardless of political affiliation. The way the situation has been handled has prompted many to reconsider whether they want this to continue happening on the streets they travel daily. Another case was the run-over of Miguel Parra-Hernández, also at the hands of ICE agents and the response that this agency gave.
In Texas, many say they are tired of the same governor for several years, while others say he is doing a good job and want him to continue. So it depends on voters’ response to see whether they truly lean toward a change or prefer to remain in the same situation.
For now, until October 30, many have the opportunity to approach polling places to fulfill their civic duty and avoid long lines on November 3, Election Day.
Let us not leave in the hands of others what we can decide; that should be the mindset we keep in mind to motivate us to participate in the elections.
What do you think?
