Montgomery Runoff Early Voting Sees 1K+ First Day Ballots
Early voting for Montgomery County's May 26 primary runoffs is underway (May 18-22) to finalize nominations. Turnout is low, mostly GOP.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Early voting for the May 26 primary runoff elections is underway across Montgomery County, as voters head to the polls to finalize party nominations for the November general election. The runoff phase was triggered in races where no candidate secured a majority of more than 50 percent of the vote during the March 3 primary.
Election officials reported a brisk start to the early voting period on Monday, May 18, with 1,021 ballots cast across the county. The turnout reflected a significant disparity between party participation: 852 Republican voters cast ballots, compared to 169 Democratic voters. This turnout represents a small fraction of the county's registered voter base, which stood at approximately 392,000 as of the March primary.
The early voting period continues through Friday, May 22, serving as the final window for voters to cast their ballots before the official Election Day on Tuesday, May 26.
Montgomery County has designated five primary locations for early voting:
- Montgomery County Central Elections Office - North Montgomery County Community Center - East County Annex - South County Community Building - West Montgomery County Community Development Center
While standard operating hours for these sites are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the county is extending hours on Thursday, May 21, to accommodate voters with busy schedules, keeping polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In light of ongoing public health concerns, the Montgomery County Elections Department has implemented stringent safety measures at all voting sites. Voters can expect a modified polling environment that includes mandatory social distancing, the availability of hand sanitizer, and the installation of plexiglass shields at check-in stations. Additionally, the county is providing individual ballot marking pens to minimize contact and maintain sanitary conditions for all participants.
Local officials are encouraging residents to verify their registration status and review sample ballots before heading to the polls. Comprehensive information, including a full list of candidates on the runoff ballot and real-time polling wait times, can be accessed via the Montgomery County Elections Department website at mctx.org/departments/departments_d-f/elections.
The outcome of these primary runoffs will determine the final field of candidates for several key local and state offices appearing on the November ballot. Voters are reminded that they must vote in the same party primary runoff as they did in March; those who did not vote in the March primary remain eligible to participate in either party's runoff.