Lubbock County Opens Early Voting With Nearly 8,900 Voters, Just Below 2018’s First Day

Lubbock County Opens Early Voting With Nearly 8,900 Voters, Just Below 2018’s First Day

LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock County recorded 8,876 voters on the first day of early voting Monday, October 19, coming within 315 voters of the county’s reported opening day participation in the 2018 midterm election.

The 2026 turnout report listed 8,852 voters and 24 provisional ballots. Including provisionals, approximately 4.34% of the county’s 204,576 registered voters participated on opening day.

For historical context, Lubbock County reported 9,191 voters checking in on the first day of early voting in 2018. This year’s opening day figure was approximately 3.4% lower.

Participation remained substantially above earlier midterm opening days. The county reported 2,408 voters on the first day in 2014, 2,917 in 2010 and 1,916 in 2006. This year’s opening day participation was more than 3 times the 2014 figure.

The most recent presidential election drew a larger opening day crowd. A historical turnout compilation listed 12,022 early voters on October 21, 2024, compared with this year’s 8,876, including provisional ballots. Presidential and midterm elections provide different turnout benchmarks.

Across Lubbock County, residents described steady activity and lengthy waits Monday.

“We had nearly 700 at my location alone,” Elaine Goodloe reported.

“The line was long today. Reminded me of the last presidential election,” Gail Tutino said.

Cyndi Breisch reported an “hour plus wait line all day” at the United Supermarkets location where she worked.

At Parkway United Supermarkets, an election worker told The806er that turnout remained steady throughout the day, while some other locations drew even more voters.

Monday’s participation provides an opening benchmark for the remaining voting period. Early voting continues through Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Community reporting presented by System X Technologies.