Texas Voter Suspension List Reaches Over 2.1 Million Ahead of Presidential Election
With the presidential election just three months away, more than 2.1 million Texas voters find themselves on the state’s suspended list. This situation arises as voters prepare to choose between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November 5th election, according to a recent report by Dallas News.
Understanding the Voter Suspension List
Being on the voter suspense list means that the county is uncertain about your address, often due to undeliverable voter registration cards or jury summons. Texas mails new voter registration cards every two years to the last known address. If you haven’t received a new yellow and white certification card, it’s likely because you moved without updating your address.
Checking Your Voter Status
To check if you are on the suspense list, visit the Texas state portal or your county’s voter website. With nearly 12% of Texas’ 18 million voters on the list, ensuring your registration is up to date is crucial.
Steps to Take if You’re Suspended
If you find yourself on the suspended list, you can still vote, but it will involve additional steps:
- Update Your Address: Before October 7th, update your address online to be removed from the suspense list. You will need your driver’s license or ID, Social Security number, and Voter Unique Identifier Number (VUID), which can be found on your registration card or obtained from your county registrar.
- Voting on Election Day: If you discover your suspension status at the polling place, you can still vote by filling out a “statement of residence” form to update your voter registration and remove yourself from the suspense list.
Special Cases for Moved Voters
Voters who have moved to a different county must either vote in their previous county or submit a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted after verifying voter eligibility within six days post-election. To ensure your provisional ballot is counted, visit your county registrar office with an acceptable ID within this timeframe. You will be notified within 30 days whether your provisional ballot was accepted.
Duration of Suspension Status
Voters remain on the suspense list for two general elections, approximately four years, before being removed from Texas’ voter rolls.
By taking these steps, Texas voters can ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming election, despite the challenges posed by the suspense list.
