Texas early voting begins as voters weigh affordability and poll gauges enthusiasm

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Texas voters are preparing to head to the polls as early voting begins Monday ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

In Houston, voters have different strategies for casting their ballots. Some plan to wait until Election Day, while others say they prefer voting early in case something prevents them from making it to the polls later.

“I plan to vote on Election Day, and I’ll be there bright and early,” said Ru Lee, a Houston voter.

Phillip Ukleja said he plans to vote early because circumstances can change on Election Day.

“My plan is to vote early because you never know what’s going to happen on Election Day,” Ukleja said.

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Democrats currently have an advantage in voter enthusiasm. Seventy-two percent of Democratic voters surveyed said they were certain to vote, compared with 65% of Republican voters.

The poll also found that more Americans say they are struggling to afford basic expenses compared with February, before the war in Iran.

That includes gas, health care, housing and groceries.

The poll found a particularly sharp increase in Americans who consider gas unaffordable. In February, 28% said gas was unaffordable. That figure has since risen to 71%, the poll found.

The national average gas price has topped $4 a gallon for a record 158 days so far this year, according to the poll.

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For Houston voters, however, the issues influencing their decisions vary.

“Really making sure we have people in office who believe in human rights,” Ukleja said.

“Corruption for me is pretty evident,” said Oliver Naylor, another early voter.

Lee said his decision comes down to his personal values.

“Just doing the right thing and following my morals,” he said.

Early voting in Texas begins Monday and runs through Oct. 30.

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