WICHITA COUNTY, Texas (KAUZ) - Early voting is underway in Texas ahead of the November election, and local Republican and Democratic party leaders are encouraging residents to make their voices heard.

Stephen Garner, vice chairman of the Wichita County Republican Party, says early voting offers flexibility for people who may have difficulty getting to the polls on Election Day."Sometimes the weather is inclement. Sometimes people get tied up at work," Garner said.

"And it is a 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. restriction and sometimes people just get tied up and they can't get there and they miss out on the opportunity to let their voices be heard."Garner said early voting can make it easier for people to fit voting into their schedules.