Congratulate yourself, Travis County – turnout in the first two days of early voting was impressive. Nowhere near the pace of the supercharged 2008 presidential year, but the percentage is nearly double that of 2006’s gubernatorial election – 4.49% of registered voters this year, compared to 2.43% after two days four years ago.
A refresher, as if you could forget it: 2006 was the rather appalling Perry-Bell-Strayhorn-Friedman matchup.
Raw numbers are of course higher as well – unsurprising considering Travis County’s constant population growth. The first two days in 2006 had 13,488 voting early either in person or by mail; this year, the total is 26,660.
Travis County had 555,759 registered voters in 2006; this go-round has 594,154.
What does the higher turnout mean? Obama backlash? Or in liberal Travis County, does it signify disgust with Gov. Rick Perry and good turnout for challenger Bill White? Or is it just that Travis County Elections has effectively gotten out the message about the convenience of voting early?
UPDATE: Quorum Report is reporting similar numbers around the state.
Early voting locations are open until 7pm tonight. Early voting runs through Oct. 29. Chronicle endorsements are here.
This article appears in October 15 • 2010.