JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — The new numbers paint a great picture of voter turnout in Southeast Texas.
More voters in Jefferson and Orange Counties showed up on day one of early voting, compared to the first day of early voting in 2016 and 2020.
Jefferson County saw 9,271 people show up to cast a ballot on the first day of early voting. Over in Orange County, 3,869 people let their voice be heard.
VOTER GUIDE | Here’s what you need to know about voting this year
Voting early and in person aren't the only ways to cast a ballot. 12News is breaking down the process of the mail-in voting process.
First, if you want to vote by mail. you have to request a mail-in ballot. You can download the application on votetexas.gov.
In order to qualify you must be 65-years or older, sick or disabled, out of the country during early voting and Election Day, expected to give birth three weeks before or after Election Day or in jail but otherwise eligible.
You will need a Texas driver's license, Texas personal identification number, election certificate or the last four digits of your social security number to complete the application.
Then you send in that application to your county clerk. The deadline to get that application in is October 25.
Once you get the ballot and cast your vote, you'll put that envelope in the carrier envelope.
Before you seal it, you'll need to write the numbers the ID that is associated with your voter registration on the envelope. Then you sign the carrier envelope and put on the postage.
But what happens if plans change and you can vote in person?
"If you received or requested a mail ballot and you want to vote in person make sure you bring the mail ballot and surrender it and that will give you clearance. We had a few of those incidents were people were confused over that process," said Jefferson County Clerk Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg.
12News is also taking a look at provisional ballots.
Provisional ballots are ballots a voter can cast if they're eligibility is still in question when they show up at a polling location.
Some common situations where you may be asked to cast one include:
- If your name doesn't match what's on the voter rolls, for example due to a name or change or a misspelling
- If you've moved within the state and didn't update your voter registration
Provisional ballots are available during early voting and on Election Day.
Once you cast a provisional ballot, you'll get a notice within 30 days of the election to tell you whether your ballot was counted or not.
No matter how you vote or who you vote for, Southeast Texans agree that you should exercise your right to let your voice be heard.
"I would tell them everybody that can, please get out and vote. and the young people if you are 18 and older, please get out and vote," said Beaumont voter, Shirley Rolax.
"You need to get out and vote. Cause they need to pay attention to what's going on, and we need them," said Port Neches voter, Wendy Beckcom.
There are more Texans registered to vote now than there has ever been in state history. But you still need to show up to cast your ballot.
The voting locations and hours in each county as well as sample ballots can be found in the links provided below:
Jefferson County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Orange County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Hardin County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Jasper County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Tyler County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Newton County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Liberty County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Chambers County: Early voting locations | Sample ballot
Early voting begins Monday, October 21- Friday, November 1.
ELECTION RESULTS: CLICK HERE on November 5 after the polls close at 7 p.m.