BEAUMONT, Texas — With early voting ending at 7 p.m. in Southeast Texas, local officials say turnout has been unexpectedly low, with only 5% of registered voters in Jefferson County casting their ballots so far.

County Clerk Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg said she was surprised by the low participation, especially since early voting typically draws the largest crowds. “Early voting is when we see the highest activity,” she said. “I’m really surprised to see the outcome.”

Residents and community leaders expressed concern that so few voters have taken part, despite several major issues on the ballot. “I really thought with the city issues being on there, it would increase voter participation,” said Beaumont resident Jamie Smith. “Usually when issues are kind of divided, you see a larger turnout

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