AUSTIN, Texas — Record Early Voting Numbers and Suspended Voter Status Revealed
In a backdrop of record early voting numbers, Central Texas has revealed some eye-opening statistics about voters who have had their status suspended. As of now, Travis County officials report that there are currently 137,980 suspended voters in the area. This figure is approximately 600 more than what was initially listed by the Texas Secretary of State’s office. It’s important to note that this number can shift day-by-day as officials process ongoing voter data.
Suspended Voter Counts by County
The situation is not unique to Travis County. In Williamson County, the number of suspended voters goes beyond 47,000, while Hays County has seen more than 21,000 voters suspended. To provide some context, only a few counties—namely Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Tarrant—have reported higher numbers of suspended voters than Travis County at this time.
Understanding the Suspending of Voter Status
Being placed on the “suspense list” does not mean that individuals cannot vote. Instead, it often indicates that your county is having difficulty confirming your address or believes that you may have moved. This situation can arise when a voter registration card is returned as “undeliverable.”
In Texas, you can only be removed from the voter rolls if you remain on the suspense list for two federal election cycles after your initial placement. If you’re concerned about your status, the first step is to ensure that your address is updated. Checking your status at a local polling station can provide clarity, and if you find yourself on the suspense list, there is help available.
Steps to Resolve Your Suspended Status
If you discover that you are indeed on the suspense list, you can fill out a statement of residence form to update your voter registration and potentially remove yourself from the suspense list. However, if you’ve recently moved to a different county, you will need to submit a provisional ballot or vote in your former county. Provisional ballots are receipts used to record a vote when there are uncertainties regarding a voter’s eligibility, and they are available during both early voting periods and on Election Day.
Ensuring Your Provisional Ballot Counts
To ensure that your provisional ballot is counted in Texas, it is crucial to visit your county’s registrar’s office within six days of the election. You will need to provide an acceptable form of ID at that time. If you are unable to provide a photo ID, you can submit a reasonable impediment declaration, which explains why you couldn’t obtain a photo ID to vote.
After submitting your ballot, expect to receive a notice within 30 days of the election. This notice will inform you whether or not your provisional ballot was counted.
Final Thoughts
