News

What Time Do Texas' Primaries Finish Up?

by Stephanie Casella

Voter turnout is higher than predicted, and higher than most can recall in Texas' recent history. Historically, the state has disappointed in terms of achieving the voter turnout for which it aspired — well, at least it has since 2008. This time around, however, the Lone Star State is excited about the prospect of a new president, and the citizen body is showing it by using their collective power to engage in their civic duty — which is, of course, voting. Because people will follow the race closely from start to finish, it is key to know exactly what time the Texas primaries end, this way viewers know exactly when to expect some definitive results.

Texas has such a huge population — and the largest number of delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday — so this race could incite some major change as far as numbers go. Polls are open to registered voters from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 1, and the counting will begin during the evening as votes come in. The major coverage will conclude as soon as one candidate on each party's side has a majority of the votes — and as delegates are assigned — or as soon as the majority of votes are recorded.

Of course, Texas is one of the early-voting states, so the process of counting may occur at a faster rate than in states where all votes are placed in one day. It is also a state where delegates are assigned proportionally, as opposed to winner-takes-all, so it is key for viewers of the race to take note of who grabs second and third place on the Republican side, where there are still five major candidates in the running.

The race is neck-and-neck between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz on the Republican side. Cruz hails from Texas, so this race is particularly important to his cause, though Trump is claiming more victories overall, so it may not mean as much to him so long as he rallies the votes of other states.

As far as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are looking on the Democratic side, it appears that early polls are showing Clinton in the lead, though that can also change on Super Tuesday.

Thomas Shea/Getty Images News/Getty Images

In any case, it is crucial to keep an eye on the results of the Texas primaries because these races carry some weight in terms of delegates. Republicans have 155 and Democrats 252, so candidates on either side cannot sleep on Texas — and neither should voters. This race alone could either tighten the race for those in the lead, or solidify those leads entirely.

Believe it or not, both primaries and caucuses can be laugh-out-loud hilarious. Don't believe us? Have a listen to Bustle's "The Chat Room" podcast...