It appears to be some sort of bromeliad. Many bromeliad species don't really have roots, but instead grow on top of rocks or other plants like trees. They get their water and nutrients from the atmosphere directly rather than from their roots. Some species even have leaf shapes that make like a bucket in the center to capture water to use. Anyways, they're cool plants. And some have absolutely beautiful flowers.
I can't speak for other states but in Texas early voting means you can vote at any polling place in your county. They reduce the amount of available polling places on actual election day, and you must vote at the polling place for your precinct only as well. So you're more likely to have less of a wait time than on election day, and thus it'll be easier to do.