A Vendor Collapse and State System Failure Leave Thousands of Bexar County Voters in Limbo
A voter registration crisis is unfolding in Bexar County as tens of thousands of applications remain stuck in limbo. Last week, the backlog stood at 34,000, but by Friday, September 12, that number had surged past 45,000. If not resolved quickly, thousands of eligible voters risk being excluded from the November election.
In a press release today, Precinct 4, County Commissioner, Tommy Calvert stated, “This isn’t just an administrative hiccup—it’s an urgent issue for our democracy. And unless we act now, thousands of eligible Bexar County voters could be disenfranchised in the November election.”
Root of the Problem: Vendor Shutdown and State System Failure
The backlog stems from the collapse of Votec, one of the state’s two approved vendors for voter registration verification. Since then, the Texas Secretary of State’s Office has struggled to maintain the TEAM (Texas Election Administration Management) system. The slowdown has left counties like Bexar unable to upload street indexes and voter records, preventing officials from placing voters in the correct precincts.
This problem isn’t isolated to San Antonio—it has elections administrators across Texas deeply concerned.
State Law and County Options
Under Texas law, applications must be reviewed within seven days, and voter registration certificates mailed within 30 days. Currently, those timelines cannot be met. To fix the issue, the Elections Department has proposed a contract with VR Solutions, an already state-approved vendor.
If signed immediately by the Elections Administrator or County Judge, the system could be in place before the October 6 voter registration deadline. Commissioners Court could then ratify the contract at its October meeting, allowing the county to start clearing the backlog.
What’s at Stake if No Action Is Taken
Delays may not only disrupt the November election but could spill over into the 2026 Primary Election. Without a solution, civil rights groups like the Texas Civil Rights Project, NAACP, or LULAC may pursue legal action to force compliance with state election law.
What Residents Can Do Right Now
Commissioner Calvert urged residents to take action and call the Texas Secretary of State’s Office and the Bexar Commissioners Court and urgent them to take action.
Voters are being urged to take action before time runs out:
1. Call the Texas Secretary of State’s Office – Demand immediate fixes to the TEAM system integration. 1-800-252-VOTE (8683)
2. Call the Commissioners Court – Urge them to sign and ratify the VR Solutions contract. 210-335-2626
