Early Voting Begins in Florida and Texas for Midterm Elections
Early voting for the November 3 midterm elections officially started on Monday, October 19, 2026, across Florida and Texas, as reported by Univision. The two states feature large and influential Latino electorates, drawing intense national attention as voters weigh economic pressures and local races.
In Florida, the Division Electoral reports that 3.7 million citizens are registered to vote ahead of the November 3 contest. Voters across the state’s 67 counties have three options to cast ballots: by mail, during the early voting period, or in person on Election Day. While mandatory early voting runs from October 24 through October 31, several local jurisdictions offer additional days, according to the state’s Secretary of State. Deadlines and operational hours vary by county, with officials directing residents to local supervisor of elections websites for specific site schedules.
High Turnout and Local Contests in Miami-Dade and Broward
Populous South Florida counties have implemented extensive schedules to accommodate high turnout. In Miami-Dade and Broward, early voting locations remain open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through November 1, Univision reported. At the John F. Kennedy Library in Hialeah, early voter Emilia Boya noted that voting early helps residents avoid large crowds and long queues on Election Day. Meanwhile, Monroe County’s early voting window runs until October 31 with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., according to Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies.
Beyond state administration, competitive congressional and local races animate the Florida ballot. CNN Español noted that Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar faces Democratic challenger Eliott Rodriguez in Florida’s 27th Congressional District in Miami-Dade County, where three out of four voters identify as Latino. Voters in the region are also weighing broader concerns. Jorge Miranda, a resident of Doral, told CNN Español that he supports increased security budgets and wants international conflicts resolved, while fellow resident Cecilia Rodríguez emphasized the protection of children and family values amid ongoing local debates over education policies.
Texas Expands Access as Latino Population Reaches 40 Percent
Texas voters also headed to the polls on Monday, October 19, 2026, continuing a tradition that began in the 1980s when Texas became the first U.S. state to permit early voting. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that Latinos became the state’s largest racial or ethnic group in 2021, now comprising 40 percent of the population. In Bexar County, election authorities reported nearly 30,000 ballots cast by 3:30 p.m. on the first day of early voting, with San Antonio polling stations experiencing normal operations and manageable wait times through the close of the period on October 30.
The midterms present Democrats with what they view as a critical opportunity to challenge Republican dominance in Texas, where conservative officials have held power for three decades. Long lines formed early at a polling center in River Oaks, Houston, Univision reported. In the high-stakes U.S. Senate race, polls show a tight contest between Democratic former teacher James Talarico, 37, and incumbent Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, 63, an ally of Donald Trump. Voters are also deciding a closely watched gubernatorial race between incumbent Republican Greg Abbott, who seeks a fourth term, and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, 52.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Midterms
What are the deadlines for mail-in ballots in Florida?
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for Florida’s general election is Thursday, October 22, 2026. Voters with questions are advised to contact their local Supervisor of Elections office directly.
When does early voting end in Texas counties like Bexar?
In Bexar County, Texas, early voting runs through October 30, 2026, with centers reporting standard operating hours and manageable wait times during the opening days of the process.
How does Florida’s Latino population compare to the national average?
According to CNN Español, Florida hosts 6.7 million Hispanics among its 23.3 million residents, representing 28.7 percent of the state population—well above the overall national percentage of 20 percent.