City leaders want you to vote early

HOUSTON Efforts are underway not only to encourage people to vote, but to vote early. Early voting begins Monday, and this year the Harris County clerk's office is expecting nearly half a million people to cast their votes before the official election date in November.

City leaders are telling residents that if they're able to, they should get out and vote. In fact, during the March primaries citizens even stood in line to cast their ballot early. There were few complaints, however, as interest in this year's political process runs very high.

"I'm one of those folks who likes to get out and vote early and avoid some of the lines," Mayor Bill White said. "There's different times you can go to vote. My prediction is there's going to be some lines – a whole lot, both on Election Day and during early voting. But don't let that discourage you. Pick a time."

Mayor White says people should go vote. The early voting process runs from October 20 to October 31. Of course, if you don't vote early, you are encouraged to cast your vote on Election Day, November 4.

County officials in charge of voting are prepared for increased crowds. They have added extra machines in places they anticipate high turn-outs.

• Questions/Answers about early voting
• Early voting locations

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