The McLennan Republican and Democratic parties report seeing a higher number of volunteers than in the presidential election two years ago.
McLennan County Democratic Party Chair Mary Duty said a week before the 2016 election, it had 15 volunteers. This year, even six months before election day, 35 to 40 people volunteered.
"We thought the one in 2016 was the election of a lifetime. This may very well be the election of a lifetime. We've spent 500 odd days registering voters, educating voters, working out the details to try to get out the vote in McLennan County and all over Texas," Duty said.
Charlotte Shanks who became a volunteer for the Democratic Party said she made the decision after having more time because of retirement. In addition, she said watching reports about the separation of families who entered the country illegally prompted her to gift her time.
"I think what's going on in the border. I think that got my intention and broke my heart. I think that is the reason I got involved," Shanks said.
The Republican Party of McLennan County also reports seeing increased involvement from voters.
"We are seeing volunteers coming in. A lot of people requesting yard signs and literature. We are seeing probably as much if not more excitement as the 2016 election," McLennan County Republican Party Chairman Jon Ker said.
He said some Republicans want to volunteer their time because they believe the economy is headed in the right direction and they want that trend to continue. Furthermore, he said they have concerns about where the Democratic Party is headed.
"The far movement to the left toward socialism in our society where the government tells us what we can do, when we can do it. That is seeing a backlash here in our county. A lot of people are very excited about the importance of this race this year, to maintain, a conservative value system," Ker said.
Duty said the Democrats are not moving toward socialism but that they believe in a fair shot for everyone, which includes college affordability and making healthcare accessible to all.
"I firmly believe in the Democratic party and the rights of all people," Shanks said. "I just think that as a country we need to get ourselves together back again and the division needs to stop."
Both parties plan to continue registering people to vote, knocking on doors and calling potential supporters.
Oct. 9 will be the last day to register for the Nov. 6 election. Early voting will begin on Oct. 22 and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 26.
For more information about the midterm election dates and required identification for voting, click here.
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