HOUSTON – It's the first day of early voting and Houstonians are coming out in droves.

We passed several polling stations where there were almost no queues. It's not because people don't vote. No, the opposite is true in this presidential election. Voters are expected to show up at the polls in record numbers this election.

RECOMMENDED: Early Voting 2024: What you need to know

There are no lines at most locations because you can vote during early voting anywhere in the county where you are registered to vote.

“This is actually my first choice in the presidential election. We all have a voice and a right to vote. (This is your first time exercising this right. How exciting is that for you?) This is absolutely amazing,” smiles 18-year-old Miguel Herrera.

As first-time and repeat voters are eager to cast their ballots early, the Harris County Clerk is making the rounds to ensure the first day of early voting goes smoothly.

“We're here on the HCC North Forest campus, which is a little ways off West Little York, and one of the reasons we chose this location is to show you there's no line here,” laughs Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. who is also trying to stay ahead of the rumors this election season.

“In the state of Texas, my initials will be on your ballot as a clerk, and it is necessary that those initials be on the ballot in order for that ballot to be valid. There's a rumor circulating via text messaging: social media that if there are initials or markings on your ballot, it's simply wrong. Before you retweet, repost and share information, check with Harris Votes to ensure it is the correct information Hudspeth.

Get news, weather and more with the new FOX LOCAL app

“Voting is extremely important. This choice is crucial. Many people in our generation think that their voice doesn't count. “So this is an event to remind everyone that their voice counts and that their voice matters,” explains Nicholas Lockett, president of the University of Houston Downtown Sophomore and president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, organized a walk from campus to a Early voting site downtown where dozens of students voted.

“There was no line. We went straight in. I went straight in and cast my vote. It was really simple and easy,” said UHD student Shatoiya Watts.

“The great thing about early voting is that you can go to any of the 88 locations here in Harris County. We expect historical figures. In 2020, over 128,000 voters voted on the first day of early voting. We’re already at 57,000,” Hudspeth told us shortly after noon. By 5 p.m., that number had increased to over 103,000 early voters in Harris County. The final numbers will not be announced until Monday evening, after polls close at 7 p.m

Early voting will run for 12 consecutive days, through November 1, 2024. This week's hours in Harris County are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Check your county clerk's website for specific times and locations.