Texas officials announced they have removed more than 1 million people from the state’s voter rolls. Most of those removed are individuals who moved out of state or are deceased. However, there’s still a chance for error.
Gov. Greg Abbott has stated that some of the voters removed may have been noncitizens. However, according to the Texas Tribune, election officials have found no evidence of widespread voting by noncitizens in U.S. elections. In fact, Texas incorrectly flagged 95,000 naturalized citizens for removal from the voter rolls in 2019.
Given these potential errors, you may want to check whether you’re registered to vote before the Oct. 7 deadline. Here’s how to check your voter registration:
Check if You’re Registered:
You can check your registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. To log in, you’ll need one of the following:
- Your Texas driver’s license number and date of birth,
- Your full name, date of birth, and county of residence, or
- Your Voter Unique Identifier number and date of birth.
Verify Registration Information:
Once you’re logged in, ensure your name, address, and other details are correct.
If you’ve moved or changed your name, make the necessary updates.
What is “Suspense” Status?
If your voter registration is flagged as “suspense,” it means the state needs confirmation of your current address. This can happen if mail sent to your listed address is returned as undeliverable. If you’re on this list, you can still vote but may need to verify your address when voting.
To avoid complications, update your address as soon as possible.
How to Register or Update Registration:
If you’re not registered or need to update your information, you can fill out a voter registration form. You must submit the application before the Oct. 7 deadline.
You can get a registration form from your county voter registrar’s office, some post offices, or download one online. Once completed, mail it to your county’s voter registrar.
What If You’ve Moved After the Deadline?
If you moved within the same county after the registration deadline, you can vote at your old precinct or cast a limited ballot at your new one. Be sure to check your county’s early voting locations for this option.
Handling Registration Issues at the Polls:
If you encounter issues on Election Day, polling stations usually have “resolution desks” to address registration problems.
If you’re not on the voter roll but believe you should be, you can cast a provisional ballot. The local ballot board will review your eligibility before your vote is counted.
Need Assistance?
For help, you can contact the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-8683 or use the Voting Rights Coalition hotline at 866-687-8683.
By following these steps, you can avoid any voting issues and ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming election.
