How to Ensure You’re Registered to Vote Amid Statewide Purges
Just like encountering delays or disruptions when traveling, voters may face obstacles when trying to cast their ballot, even if they are registered. From being placed on a state’s “suspended list” to being purged entirely from voter rolls, these disruptions can prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote.
Statewide Voter Roll Updates: What You Need to Know
This past June, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson issued a directive to County Registrars, reminding them to update voter registration rolls. The goal? To remove ineligible individuals from the rolls, including non-citizens, felons, and deceased voters. Nelson emphasized that clean voter rolls are the “first line of defense to preserve secure elections.”
How Does Texas Update Its Voter Rolls?
While Texas updates its statewide voter registration database daily, federal law prohibits large-scale updates within 90 days of a federal election. By August 7th, following the May runoff elections, the state performed sweeping list maintenance to prepare for the 2024 elections. County Registrars are responsible for investigating and removing ineligible voters based on records provided by the Secretary of State and through their own investigations.
Who Can Challenge Voter Eligibility?
Texans also have the right to challenge the eligibility of any registered voter in their county. However, this process has led to concerns over voter suppression, particularly with some voters being mistakenly placed on “suspense lists” or removed entirely from the rolls.
The 1993 National Voter Registration Act and Suspense List Voting
Under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, voters placed on the “suspense list”—who may have missed responding to official inquiries—are still allowed to vote, provided they can confirm their address on Election Day. Bringing a valid ID, bank statement, or utility bill can help resolve these issues.
Bexar County’s Response to Voter Purges
In Bexar County, the Voter Registration Coalition has twice requested information on voters who have been purged from the rolls but has not received a response from the Elections Office. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the impact of the purges on local voters.
How to Check Your Voter Registration Status
To ensure you aren’t affected by these purges, it’s crucial to check your voter registration status well in advance of Election Day. Visit www.bexar.org/elections or votetexas.gov to verify your registration and re-register if necessary. If you discover that you’re on the “suspended list,” you can still vote by submitting a statement of residence and requesting a provisional ballot.
Over 1 Million Texas Voters Removed from Rolls
Reports have indicated that of the 1 million voters removed, 65,000 were removed for failing to respond to a notice of examination or a letter from the state regarding their voter registration. The rest were removed for other reasons under SB1. If a voter remains on the “suspense list” for two federal election cycles, they will be removed from the state’s rolls. It’s critical for new voters to register early to avoid potential issues that could delay or prevent their ability to vote.
Make Your Voice Heard
Ultimately, the information provided here is intended to help voters navigate any hurdles they may face in ensuring their registration is up to date. Every voter deserves to have their voice heard and to participate in the democratic process, without the risk of being sidelined by technicalities.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and most importantly, vote.
