Hopkins breaks early voting record

Hopkins County has now set an all time record for early voting, according to the County Clerk’s office and the Texas Secretary of State. 

As of Friday, the county exceeded the 2016 election early voting turnout of 8,696, as this year's early votes have climbed to 9,558 as of last count according to the Texas Secretary of State. 

While the raw numbers are the highest, the percentage of registered voters who have voted is still under the total record by a hair, according to data. Approximately 39.9% of registered voters have already cast their ballots. 

This is second only to the 2004 presidential election, which had an early turnout rate of 42.07%. However, in the 2004 election, a lower total number of people cast early ballots. Hopkins population has grown since 2004, which is what makes this math possible. 

Early voting is  at The ROC, 115 Putman St. in Sulphur Springs, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 30. The county has extended early voting hours this Tuesday and Thursday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 30, polls will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The general election will take place Nov. 3.

For more information about voting, contact the County Clerk’s office at 903-438-4074, email ccclerk@hopkinscountytx.org or go online to: http://www.hopkinscountytx.org/page/hopkins.VoterInfo

News assistant Todd Kleiboer contributed to this report.