AUSTIN, Texas -- There are more people registered to vote in Texas than ever before, according to the Texas Secretary of State's office.
- Senate race has encouraged more people to register to vote
- Numerous races on the ballot that will directly affect Texans
- Texas came in last for voting in the midterm elections
Officials largely attribute it to the tight Texas Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke. But, there's a lot more on the ballot you should know about as you head to the polls.
The Texas Secretary of State's office says all eyes are on that race; Sam Taylor says it's encouraged more folks to register to vote.
"We've already broken a statewide record for registered voters in the state of Texas," Taylor said.
There are 15.6 million registered voters so far, and there's still time to add to that number; the last day to register to vote is Oct. 9. But when some of those registered voters read further down the ballot there are question marks.
Other statewide races are on the ballot, like a Democrat and Libertarian challenging George P. Bush for Texas Land Commissioner. There are three state supreme court races and a battle for seats on the State Board of Education.
"Make sure that you know everybody on the ballot, all the way from governor and Senate down to your local county commissioner," Taylor said.
There's still time to make informed decisions on more than the race that's captured the nation's attention. While voter registration may be up Texas still has the worst voter turnout in the nation.
A new study by the Washington Post found that Texas came in dead last for voting in midterm elections.