HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Harris County has surpassed 1 million early votes, a milestone that could shape how quickly some races become clear on election night.

The Harris County Clerk's Office told KPRC 2 at 4:30 p.m. Friday that the early vote total had reached 1,000,447. Steven David, who analyzes voter turnout data, said participation has been running well ahead of the same point in the 2022 midterm and closer to the pace of the 2024 presidential election.

David said voters have strong motivations to turn out - whether they're passionate about a candidate's policies or determined to vote against an opponent.