Republican primary turnout on day one of early voting nearly doubled from 2008 in Texas' 10 largest counties, likely reflecting elevated interest in the heated contest for the Republican presidential nomination.
Data compiled by the Texas Secretary of State shows that 41,508 Republican voters cast an early or absentee ballot in the state's 10 largest counties as of Tuesday, up from 21,130 on the first day of early voting in 2008.
Participation increased just 13 percent from Texas' Mary 2012 Republican primary, however, when former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was leading the Republican field by a wide margin.
The quest for this year's Republican nod features businessman Donald Trump, leading in national polls, as well as hometown Sen. Ted Cruz and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who also boasts Texas roots.
Democratic turnout in the state's 10 largest counties, meanwhile, dropped 30 percent from 2008, when Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's hotly-contested primary drove turnout in Texas to record highs.
Clinton's campaign now is looking to capitalize on the former secretary of state's ties to Texas to drive her closer to the Democratic nomination over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
In Harris County, the Lone Star State's most populous county, first-day Republican turnout more than tripled from 2008.
First-day early balloting among Harris County Republicans declined 5 percent from 2012.
Democratic participation in Harris County held steadier than it did in Texas' other large counties, falling 4 percent from 2008.
Over the last eight years, an average of nearly half of Harris County's primary vote has been cast prior to Election Day, either early or absentee.
Early balloting in Texas' March 1 primary runs through Feb. 26. For Harris County voting locations and other information, visit
www.harrisvotes.com.
Year Dem GOP
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2008 19,578 8,654
2012 8,135 17,846
2016 14,001 19,376
