AUSTIN, Texas — Austinites hit the polls on Saturday for the only weekend of early voting.
Valerie DeBill is the vice president for the League of Women Voters in the Austin area and said there has been a strong turnout since early voting started on Oct. 21.
According to the Texas Secretary of State, roughly 26% of the 926,313 people registered in Travis County have voted early. In Williamson County, a little more than 30% of the 445,326 people that are registered have voted early.
"I think we've had a really good turnout," said DeBill. "We've had a lot more young people engagement this cycle, I think, than we did last time. But again, it's hard to compare 2020 because a lot more people voted by mail in 2020."
DeBill noted for anyone who doesn't have time to swing by a polling location, to make a plan and set aside time. County websites, such as Travis County, have a map with polling places that show wait times.
"Next weekend is not available," said Debill. "Basically everything shuts down and nearly three days are set to get ready for Nov. 5. So vote by Friday if you want to vote early."
DeBill added for those who haven't voted yet, remember not to wear political items that show favoritism toward a candidate or political party within 100 feet of a polling place. This falls under Texas law, which prohibits "electioneering." It applies to voters and poll workers.
Voters who don't follow these rules will be asked to leave.
DeBill encourages leaving those items in your vehicle and leaving phones in your pocket or purse as they're not allowed while at the polls.
On Sunday, polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Early voting ends on Nov. 1.