El Paso’s 2020 election’s early voting season closes today in the midst of a devastating pandemic. More than 204,000 El Pasoans have voted so far, a record by far.

If 14,000 people vote today, El Paso will surpass its entire turnout in the 2016 presidential election, with Election Day still to come Tuesday. The last day of early voting drew 17,000 people in 2016 and 15,000 in 2018.

You can vote at any of 35 early voting sites in El Paso today. The safest way to vote is at one of seven curbside express sites around the county, where you can vote without ever leaving your car. 

Polls are open until 10 p.m., later than in previous early voting elections.

If you have a mail ballot you haven’t returned, don’t place it in the mail. It may not arrive in time to be counted. Drop it off Downtown at the County Courthouse.

People with a sickness or illness that prevents them from getting to the polls on Election Day may qualify for an emergency ballot. Call 915-546-2154 for more information. More than 900 El Pasoans are hospitalized with COVID-19, and thousands more are sick at home. 

The El Paso Matters voters guide has information about the local candidates seeking your vote for positions ranging from Congress to constable. Use our guide to help plan your vote.

If you vote today and haven’t yet gotten your flu shot, consider doing that while you’re out. Health experts advise that people get the influenza vaccine by Saturday to provide maximum protection ahead of flu season. Most grocery stores and pharmacies offer them; free flu shots are available at multiple locations.

Cover photo: Voters leave the El Paso County Eastside Annex after casting their ballots during the second week of early voting. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)