Today, Texas is  leading the country in voter turnout. With over 4 million ballots cast already, Texans have put our state at the top of the pack for both total number of votes and turnout by percentage compared to the election in 2016.

Harris County has been at the forefront of this surge in voter turnout, with over 628,000 people voting in this first week. We have proven that when we invest in our elections process and make it easy and convenient for people to vote, people will respond and do their civic duty.

Our democracy works best when everyone participates in the process. I am so proud of each and every Texan who has made it to the polls or returned their mail-in ballots. Thank you for doing your part for our community by being a voter.

But the election is not over yet.

We still have two weeks of early voting left, as well as Election Day. We want to keep our record-breaking turnout going, and keep Texas at the top. If you have already voted, text your friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they get out to vote. Just as you had your voice heard, make sure that your friends and loved ones have their voices heard as well.

Remember that you have several options available to make your plan to vote:

If you applied for a mail-in ballot, you can return it in the mail or the drop-off location at NRG Park. Be sure it is received by October 23.

You can vote early at over 120 locations, which includes 10 drive-thru voting locations. That's right, voting can be as simple as picking up lunch. We have an interactive map that tells you what locations are close to you, as well as the estimated wait times.

Don't have time during the week? The polls are also open this weekend, from 7am-7pm on Saturday and 12pm-7pm this Sunday.

During the first four days of early voting, over 100,000 people came out to vote each day in Harris County. This completely shattered our previous record for early voting, which was 67,000 votes. This is the level of civic participation and engagement in democracy that our civil rights leaders dreamed of and fought for.

Let us continue to do our part, engaging our family, friends, and neighbors to get out to vote so that our entire community makes their voice heard this election.