Amidst election season, early voting for the upcoming presidential election is soon coming to a close. It is every Americans right to engage in voting, as exercising these rights allows citizens make their voice heard when it comes to who they feel is best in running the nation.

Voting is especially emphasized on young voters since younger generations have the power of fresh perspectives, diversity, and are future leaders of the nation. This makes it critical for young voters to become involved with politics.

Melissa Martin is the elections information and resources coordinator for the El Paso County Election Department. Martin shares the importance of early voting.

“Early voting is important for several reasons, it allows voters to cast their ballot at a time that better suits them,” said Martin. “Especially among those with rigid work schedules and when voting early, it reduces long lines on election day.”

UTEP students have the liberty of casting their early vote within campus. Voting will take place in Union East’s Acacia Room 102A, making it easier for students to engage in the electoral process.

Early voting allows any registered individual who has a hectic work week to cast their vote in a timely manner rather than voting only on election day.

Martin shared some new changes when it comes to voting within El Paso. While back in the 2020 election, voters had to cast their vote within their own precinct. Now, citizens are able to vote within any early voting location and that varies throughout the borderland.

As a means to make early voting simpler, the El Paso County Elections Department has revamped its website giving clear instruction and insightful information. One of the new tools implemented is having the Google locator showing voters the nearest early voting location.The website also includes wait-times that demonstrate the traffic of citizens casting their vote. Allowing anyone to see what time is most suitable.

UTEP student Aaron Chavira shared how eager he is to vote for the first time.

“This election I feel is extremely important, probably the most important one ever,” said Chavira. “I know I want to be a part of making that change since this is going to be my first time voting and with it being such a serious election between two different candidates, I am looking forward to voting.”

Early voting is constantly making a difference each election season. In the 2020 general election 46% of voters exercised their right to vote during early voting. Compared to election day, it was less than 9%.

“The percentage is going to continue to be higher during early voting. Why? Because we’re making early voting so convenient to voters,” shared Martin.  

The borderland is seeing an increase in registered voters and early voting participation over the years. In 2016, there were 427,850 registered voters with 36% partaking in early voting.

Back in 2012, there were only 376,267 registered voters with an early voting turnout of 26%.

This 2024 election, approximately 520,000 El Pasoans are registered to vote; promising that the early voting turnout will continue to see a growing increase.

Every voter has a voice, so it is vital that everyone makes a difference and takes part in their American right.

Miners are encouraged to make their voices heard during early voting season as it lasts from Oct. 21 until Nov.1.

With 33 early voting locations throughout El Paso County, there will also be 116 voting centers on Election Day, Nov. 5.

For more information, visit epcountyvotes.com

Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]