El Pasoans showed a significant decrease in early voting turnout compared to the record numbers seen in 2020. The total number of voters, including mail-in and in-person, was 23,678 on the first day of early voting, down from 34,118 in the previous election year. The decline was particularly noticeable in mail-in ballots, which had surged during the pandemic.
Despite the drop in voter turnout, county election officials reported long lines, with some voters waiting for 45 minutes or more to cast their ballots. This indicates that while overall numbers were lower, there was still significant interest and participation in the election process.
It is essential to note that the first day of early voting in 2020 fell on a Tuesday due to the Columbus Day holiday, resulting in one less day of early voting compared to 2024. This change in schedule may have impacted the overall turnout for the first day of early voting.
Across all age groups, there was a decrease in voter participation compared to 2020. The number of voters under 30 was down by 37%, voters aged 30-44 decreased by 31%, voters aged 45-64 saw a 19% decline, and voters 65 and older were down by 36% from the first-day totals in 2020.
These numbers suggest a shift in voting behaviors and patterns among El Paso residents. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind this decline in early voting and work towards strategies to encourage and increase voter participation in future elections. By analyzing these trends and engaging with the community, local officials can develop targeted outreach efforts to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the polls.
