Fort Bend County, a largely suburban county outside Houston, is growing quickly, according to researchers cited in the story. Over 271,000 county residents cast early ballots from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30, based on data from the county election office. Large early turnout was recorded at Cinco Ranch Library, Four Corners Community Center and in the Sienna subdivision.
Vivian Agugo, who grew up in the county, said she will vote in Texas for the first time after attending college out of state. She said she wanted to be well informed because of the number of candidates and the volume of ads. She said health care affordability is a top priority for her and her family, especially as she pursues a health care career.
Brianna Brown, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project, said the group works year-round to engage Black and Latino communities across Texas. Census data cited in the story show the county's population is split among four major racial and ethnic groups: 28% white, 25% Hispanic or Latino, just over 23% Asian and just under 23% Black.