The early voting period has been expanded this year due to the surge in demand during the pandemic, this morning across Texas.

In Fort Bend County, Election Officer John Oldham said there was a lot of demands for an early vote.

“Our vote by mail numbers has increased. We are looking for 210-215 thousand people, then 65 to 70 on Election Day,” Oldham said. “Normally we have 70% of our registered voters vote in the presidential election. 70% of them vote early, either in person or by mail.”

Voting hours this week are from 8am to 5pm. In Harris County, polls are open 7-7 this week, and provisional county clerk Chris Hollins says there are some days with extended polling hours.

“All 120 locations will open until 10 pm from Tuesday 27 through Thursday 29,” Hollins told our Channel 2 TV partner.

Harris County also says it has a record number of early voting centers. Hollins says they will have hand sanitizer and finger caps for every voter. Masks will also be available. The early voting period runs until October 30.

You can learn more about early voting in Fort Bend County Here. Information about Harris County early vote is Here.