Tuesday night lights

AUSTIN, Tex. -- Tuesday could be a late night in Texas.

The state’s hybrid primary-caucus system -- in which polling places are converted to precinct conventions when normal voting ends at 7 p.m. -- could mean a long delay before anyone knows the outcome of the daytime primary where the bulk of delegates are allocated.

It is likely that early and absentee votes will be tabulated and reported by county officials shortly after the polls close, but at that hour many precinct-level election administrators will be concerned with the transition to convention activity -- with many serving as election judges to monitor the caucus process. Not until after the caucus concludes would they be able to record the primary votes, as well.

“It’s going to delay the reporting of the election results, which is going to drive everybody crazy,” said Keir Murray, a Democratic consultant in Houston.