Early Voting Turnout Record-Setting, Prepping For Primary

By Celina Avila

EL PASO — By midday Friday, more than 50,000 people had voted in both the Republican and Democratic primaries out of a total 370,000 registered voters in El Paso county.

Officials are reporting this season’s early voting turnout to be ‘record-setting’. They anticipate Texas’ March 4th primary to be even bigger.

Apart from long lines, officials said there haven’t been many problems with voters at various polling locations. County Election Administrator Javier Chacon said he expected a large turnout for Tuesday’s election and added that election staff are prepared.

Chacon added that plenty of trained poll workers are ready to help and 100 additional voting machines have been ordered to meet demands for those casting ballots. Chacon was enthusiastic about the turnout.

“Finally, Texas matters in the primary process… I’ve never seen anything like this… ” Chacon said.

In agreement with the widespread sentiment, Chacon added thatthe upcoming elections both in March and in November may prove to be ‘history-making’ for the residents of El Paso.