Dimmer enthusiasm in Texas for 2012 elections

AUSTIN (AP) — Early voting in Texas has inched down compared to 2008, possibly reflecting a lack of enthusiasm this election cycle. Election Day polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The percentage of registered voters casting their ballots early dropped from 42 percent in 2008 to only 39.3 percent in 2012. But that is still a big percentage compared to 2004, when 29.6 percent voted early.

The top statewide race in Texas is for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison. Former Solicitor General Ted Cruz is facing Democrat Paul Sadler, a former state lawmaker.

• Voting places for Travis County
• Voting places for Williamson County
• Voting places for Hays County
• Voting places for Bastrop County

Texas has voted for the Republican candidate in every election since 1980, and voters have not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994.

In swing states where President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney, early voters set new records. But in Texas, where Republicans dominate elections, turnout has dropped, probably due to lack of enthusiasm on both sides.

A total of 3.4 million Texans cast their ballots between Oct. 22 and Nov. 2 out of a total of 8.6 million registered voters. During the primary races, about 50 percent voted early, and that points to low turnout.

Map of voting places in Travis County