Daily digest: Election protection alerts in Texas
The Texas Civil Rights Project is part of the Texas Election Protection coalition, the largest non-partisan voter protection effort in the state. We receive calls from voters across the state daily reporting on their voting experience and issues. Below is the latest information Texans have reported to our hotline.
If you need help voting, call us now at 866-OUR-vote or visit texaselectionprotection.org.
Tues., Nov. 3, 2020 | Election Day
(Alerts updated as they are reported by voters at 866-OUR-VOTE)
6:40 PM CDT | Webb County: Webb County voters: several polling locations in your area might have closed due to a shortage of workers. Unfortunately, these polling locations might not be marked properly. Please make sure to check open locations before going out to vote. Locations here: https://bit.ly/3epSOJo.
5:43 PM CDT | Hidalgo County: Hidalgo County voters: due to multiple problems with late poll openings this morning, Hidalgo has EXTENDED polling hours from 7PM to 8PM in ALL 74 locations. Find your nearest site here. If you are in line by 7PM, you will cast a regular ballot. If you arrive after 7PM, then it’s provisional. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3ep4ex9 or call us at 866-OUR-VOTE.
3:20 PM CDT | Ector County: Ector County voters: we’ve received reports that many polling sites have failed to provide adequate curbside voting—including signage. We sent a letter to the County demanding they rectify this issue immediately: https://bit.ly/3oOhqAp. Remember: you have a right to request this service in ANY location. If a polling location is violating this rule, call us immediately at 866-OUR-VOTE.
12:35 PM CDT | Upshur County: Upshur County voters: due to multiple problems with late poll openings this morning, the County Executive has EXTENDED polling hours from 7PM to 8PM in all 16 locations. For a full list of locations, visit: https://bit.ly/3kVUQDA. However, any votes cast after 7 PM will be provisional ballots. We encourage you to go early to ensure you can cast a regular ballot. For more information visit https://bit.ly/34TMYwH or call us at 866-OUR-VOTE.
11:3o AM CDT | Lubbock County: UPDATE: We have been in touch with the Secretary of State and confirmed that #Lubbock should offer curbside in all locations. You have a right to request this service in ANY location. Some polling locations may be violating this rule. If so, call us immediately at 866-OUR-VOTE. Nevertheless, the county RECOMMENDS that, if you are COVID-19 positive, you should go to the Lubbock County Elections Office (1308 Crickets Ave) for Curbside voting. This facility has more precautions to prevent transmission.
10:1o AM CDT | Lubbock County: Lubbock voters, the elections office has only designated ONE location for curbside voting in the county. This is unlawful. We reached out to the County to immediately rectify this issue in a letter. If you have any issues call us: 866-OUR-VOTE. In the meantime, you can use the Lubbock County Elections Office (1302 Crickets Ave) for Curbside voting. Do you have questions about curbside voting and how to use it? See our how-to-guide and call us if you have any issues.
8:05 AM CDT | Tarrant, Dallas, Hidalgo, Harris, and Bexar County: We are getting reports of late poll openings in these counties. If you encounter this, call us immediately at 866-OUR-VOTE so we can address it.
Tarrant: Issues at the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church polling location are preventing people from voting. We are in contact with the county to address them. In the meantime, please visit another location in the county.
Dallas: Issues at the Walnut Hill Rec Center polling location are preventing people from voting. We are in contact with the county to address them. In the meantime, please visit another location in the county.
Bexar: Issues at Crockett Elementary & Clark High School polling locations are preventing people from voting. We are in contact with the county to address them. In the meantime, please visit another location in the county.
Hidalgo: Issues at Monte Cristo Elementary, Sorensen Elementary, Edinburg North HS, Liberty MS, polling locations are preventing people from voting. We are in contact with the county to address them. In the meantime, please visit another location in the county.
Harris: Issues at Anderson Elementary, Kingdom Builder’s Center, Shearn Elementary, EC PK Center polling locations are preventing people from voting. We are in contact with the county to address them. In the meantime, please visit another location in the county.
7:40 AM CDT | STATEWIDE: Overall, except in some scattered places, we are seeing poll locations open on time in Texas! If you see any issues with late poll openings or last-minute changes, call us and let us know. We’ll work with the county to fix any issues: 866-OUR-VOTE
Fri., Oct. 30, 2020 | 18th (final) Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today, the Election Protection Hotline received inquiries about mail-in and emergency ballots, reports of long lines, and electioneering in various counties across Texas. Regarding curbside voting, voters in several counties reported a lack of visible curbside voting signage, as well as difficulties voting curbside in Tarrant County. The Election Protection team alerted county officials and will continue to watch for issues that may arise on Election Day. The team will also continue to monitor potentially intimidating activity at the polls on Election Day and will continue to work with county officials to address the same.
Updates on Litigation: An order mandating ADA compliant curbside voting signs and instructions was issued today against Bexar County. For Election Day, the County must provide signage “16×20, in English and Spanish, at each of 302 Election Day polling sites . . . in conspicuous areas where they can be seen by voters from a vehicle.” The order can be read HERE.
Updates on Other Advocacy
NEWS: For nearly 3 million disabled Texans, voting this year is even harder, Read Here
NEWS: Advocates say San Antonio deaf voters need assistance at all polling sites, Read Here
SHARE: TRO in Bexar County Curbside Case, Share
Thurs., Oct. 29, 2020 | 17th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today the Election Protection team received a report of a voter with COVID, who attempted to vote curbside at a polling location in Dallas County. The poll worker turned the voter away and refused to administer curbside voting upon being informed that the voter has COVID. The voter successfully voted at another polling location. The Election Protection team contacted elections officials and will continue to monitor the situation.
In addition, several electioneering reports were made in Dallas, Harris, and Travis County as well as inadequate curbside signage in Bexar and Harris County.
Updates on Litigation: TCRP was successful in requesting a court order forcing Bexar County to provide proper curbside signage and instructions, which will allow voters with disabilities the opportunity to access the polls.
Updates on Other Advocacy
KYR: What To Do If Your Texas Voter Registration Is On The Suspense List, Read Here
NEWS: TSU Voters Waited Hours To Cast A Ballot On Super Tuesday. Harris County Says It Won’t Happen Again, Read Here
Weds., Oct. 28, 2020 | 16th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team has received an increasing number of inquiries from concerned voters, who requested a ballot by mail, but had not yet received it. In addition, voters have continued to provide reports of a lack of curbside voting signs at polling places in Dallas and El Paso County.
The Election Protection team is monitoring the ballot by mail barcode scanning issue in Tarrant County. Election Protection attorneys have had discussions with the county to better understand the process for counting the ballots that are having this issue to ensure that all ballots by mail are counted.
Updates on Litigation: TCRP filed a lawsuit today on behalf of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities against Bexar County asking the Court for an emergency order requiring proper signage necessary to allow voters with disabilities the opportunity to access curbside voting. After a hearing, the Court indicated it would rule on the request by tomorrow at 11 AM.
Updates on Other Advocacy
LIVE VIDEO: How to Vote in Texas if You Have COVID-19, Watch Here
KYR: How To Vote In Texas If You Have COVID-19 And Missed The Mail-In Ballot Deadline, Read Here
Story: Texas Voters Who Contract COVID Before Election Day Will Need A Doctor’s Note To Vote Absentee, Read Here
Tues., Oct. 27, 2020 | 15th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: After receiving numerous reports about failing to provide adequate curbside voting signage and access at polling places in several counties, Texas Civil Rights Project and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities sent letters to Dallas, Galveston, Hays, and Tarrant County to remind them that a failure to provide curbside at every polling place violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and ignores Secretary of State guidance. The Election Protection team will continue to monitor this situation and consider further action.
On October 14th, we reported concerns raised about a homeless shelter in Dallas County providing inaccurate ballot by mail information to residents and having COVID-19 safety protocols that discouraged in-person voting. The Election Protection team has been monitoring the issue closely and learned that voters residing at the shelter have been taken to cast their ballots in person.
Updates on Litigation: There are no litigation updates.
Updates on Other Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Mon., Oct. 26, 2020 | 14th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today the Election Protection team received reports of poor social distancing and COVID precautions at polling locations in Tarrant County. County officials have been contacted and we will continue to monitor this situation. In addition, the Election Protection team has received reports of a poll worker in Bowie County questioning a voter’s ballot selection. Election Protection attorneys called county officials, who ensured that they are working with poll workers at the polling location to remind them of proper poll worker conduct.
Moreover, the Election Protection team provided responses to several questions from voters on the procedures for emergency ballots due to illness occurring after the mail in ballot application deadline.
Updates on Litigation: There are no litigation updates.
Updates on Community Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Sun., Oct. 25, 2020 | 13th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today the Election Protection team received reports of electioneering within the 100-ft line in various counties across the state. County officials are being contacted to ensure that the electioneering distance marker protocols are being observed. In addition, the hotline responded to several inquiries about the whereabouts of voters’ mail-in ballots, as well as how a voter can check with the county to ensure that their in-person vote was counted.
Updates on Litigation: There are no new litigation updates.
Updates on Other Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Sat., Oct. 24, 2020 | 12th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching” Reports were received of polling location entrances that were unclearly marked in Dallas County. The county has been notified, so that the polling place entrance can be made more conspicuous. Election Protection hotline volunteers responded to several inquiries about mail-in ballots. Further, the Election Protection team was made aware of reports of electioneering distance markers being moved further beyond the 100-foot line in Hidalgo County. Election Protection attorneys are working to respond to this issue and considering further action.
Updates on Litigation: There are no new litigation updates.
Updates on Community Advocacy:
NEWS: Civil Rights Group Says Bexar County Elections Dept. Lacks Curbside Voting Signage, Read Here
Fri., Oct. 23, 2020 | 11th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: This morning, reports were received of the suspension of curbside voting in Tarrant County because of concerns that the voting equipment would be damaged in the rain. Election Protection attorneys contacted the county and are working with them to take measures to protect the equipment so that curbside voting can continue despite the weather. Reports were also received of a lack of accessible parking for those with disabilities at a polling location in Travis County. The Election Protection team will continue to monitor this issue.
The Election Protection hotline has also responded to inquiries about the option of casting limited ballots during early voting for those voters who have moved, but have not re-registered in their new county.
Updates on Litigation: The Third Court of Appeals refused to block the doctor certification requirement for late ballots for this general election. However, the court could still ultimately agree with the trial court that the requirement is unconstitutional. TCRP and its partners, the ACLU of TX and Scott Douglass & McConnico, look forward to continuing to fight the case on its merits.
Updates on Community Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Thurs., Oct. 22, 2020 | 10th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team received a report of a lack of curbside voting signage as well as reports of incorrect information being given to Spanish-speaking voters at a polling location in Dallas. Election Protection attorneys are responding to these issues and working with county officials to ensure that voters are given proper notice of curbside voting and that accurate information is given to all Texans.
Further, Election Protection Hotline volunteers helped provide responses to voter inquiries about mail-in ballots, polling place locations, and voter registration status.
Updates on Litigation: TCRP, with partners at the ACLU of TX and Scott Douglass & McConnico, filed a reply asking the Third Court of Appeals to block the doctor certification requirement for late ballots. This requirement was previously blocked by the district court and is currently stayed at the court of appeals.
Updates on Community Advocacy:
KYR: 6 Things You Need To Know About Electioneering In Texas, Read Here
Statement: Texas Supreme Court Decision in Drive-Thru Litigation is a Victory for Voting Rights, Read Here
Weds., Oct. 21, 2020 | 9th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: In response to many reports to the Election Protection Hotline of a lack of proper signage to notify Texans with disabilities of curbside voting at polling places in Bexar County, Election Protection attorneys worked with the Texas Civil Rights Project Communications and Litigation team to advocate for adequate signage. See the litigation and advocacy updates for additional information.
Today, reports were received of a poll worker in Galveston County misinforming registered voters that their registration would not be valid until Election Day. The Election Protection team reached out to the county officials, who worked with poll workers to rectify the situation. In addition, voters have reached out to the hotline with questions about mail in ballots as Friday’s request deadline approaches.
Updates on Litigation: TRCP and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities sent a demand letter today to the Bexar County Elections Administrator demanding that it immediately comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Texas Election Code, and the Texas Secretary of State’s guidance by providing signs and instructions necessary to allow disabled voters to vote curbside. See below for a link to the letter.
Updates on Community Advocacy:
Bexar County Curbside, volunteers put up our own signs about Curbside Voting after the County refused to do so, See Here on Facebook and on Twitter
Letter to Bexar County on Curbside with TCRP and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Read Here
KYR: Texas Offers Assistance For Voters Who Don’t Speak English, See Here
News: How to vote if you have COVID-19, Read Here
Tues., Oct. 20, 2020 | 8th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team continues to receive reports of a lack of proper signage for curbside voting in Dallas and Bexar County. Further advocacy around this issue is being considered so that voters are adequately informed of the curbside voting option. In addition, the Election Protection hotline received inquiries about eligibility for ballots by mail due to COVID-19 concerns, as well as questions about whether a polling location in Grimes County was observing proper COVID-19 precautions. Election Protection attorneys are working with county officials to ensure safe and healthy polling locations by making sure social distancing and COVID-19 precautions are observed.
Updates on Litigation: In TCRP’s lawsuit regarding the doctor’s certification for late ballot requests, the Third Court of Appeals granted TCRP’s motion to expedite consideration of its emergency motion to reinstate the temporary injunction. The Court ordered the State to file a response to the emergency motion by 5 pm on October 21, 2020.
Updates on Other Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Mon., Oct. 19, 2020 | 7th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team received reports of recently registered voters in Travis County whose names were not reflected on the polling location list of registered voters. Election Protection attorneys are working with election officials to seek a resolution to this issue.
Further, the hotline received a report of a polling place in Montgomery County failing to take proper COVID-19 precautions, inquiries about polling locations, and questions about the application process for requesting ballots by mail.
Updates on Litigation: TCRP has filed an emergency motion to reinstate the trial court’s temporary injunction related to the doctor’s certification requirement for Emergency/Late ballot requests (Case No. 03-20-00497-CV). Should the Third Court of Appeals grant this motion, the trial court’s injunction will be reinstated, and Travis County and the Secretary of State will be enjoined from enforcing the doctor’s certificate requirement of Texas Election Code § 102.002.
In the mail-in ballot signature comparison case TCRP is working on, the Fifth Circuit granted the Secretary of State’s motion to stay a district court injunction requiring Texas to implement a notice and cure process for mail-in ballots received this election. In light of the decision, we encourage county early voting ballot boards to give voters notice as soon as possible of any rejection based on a signature mismatch determination and county early voting clerks to provide voters whose ballots are rejected for this reason real opportunities to save their votes, because these officials are closest to the voter, and voters need their help right now. TCRP and its clients will keep fighting in court.
Updates on Other Advocacy
KYR: How To Do Curbside Voting In Texas, Read Here
NEWS: Appeals court: Texas not required to let voters fix signatures on rejected ballots, Read Here
Sun., Oct. 18, 2020 | 6th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team received several questions from Texans inquiring about their voter registration status, polling location information, and the state’s vote by mail process. Election Protection hotline volunteers worked diligently to fully respond to all inquiries received.
Updates on Litigation : There are no new litigation updates.
Updates on Other Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Sat., Oct. 17, 2020 | 5th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today, the Election Protection team received reports from across the state of various issues such as a lack of curbside voting signage at a polling location in Hays County, mail in ballot delays in Dallas County, incorrectly placed electioneering markers at a polling location in Fort Bend County and long lines at a polling location in Travis County. Election Protection attorneys are working with voters and county officials on each of these respective issues and will continue to watch for further action.
Updates on Litigation: There are no new litigation updates.
Updates on Other Advocacy: There are no new advocacy updates.
Fri., Oct. 16, 2020 | 4th Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The Election Protection team received several reports of newly registered voters whose names were not reflected on the list of registered voters at polling locations in various counties across the state, including Bexar, Denton, Hays, Travis, and Nueces Counties. Election Protection attorneys are working with county election officials on next steps and continue to monitor this issue for further action.
Further, reports continue to be made of polling locations with improper signage for curbside voting or failing to offer curbside voting altogether. Election Protection attorneys are working to ensure greater accessibility at polling places and will continue to assess the need for additional advocacy around this issue.
Updates on Litigation: Travis County’s 419th District Court granted TCRP’s application for a temporary injunction blocking Travis County and the Texas Secretary of State from enforcing the physician’s certificate requirement of Texas Election Code § 102.002 – the emergency ballot provision. The emergency ballot system is meant to allow voters with late-developing illness or injury to cast a ballot without having to vote in person, even if they missed the October 23 deadline to apply to vote by mail. The State has filed an appeal in the Third Court of Appeals. A link to the press release about the ruling can be found below.
Updates on Community Advocacy:
PRESS RELEASE: Court Rules Texas’s Emergency Ballot Doctors Note Requirement is Unlawful, Places Undue Burden on Voters, Read Here
KYR: Vote-By-Mail In Texas: What You Need To Know, Read Here
Thurs., Oct. 15, 2020 | 3rd Day Of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: We received questions from voters statewide about the ballot by mail process, including questions about in-person submittal of a ballot by mail as well as about the process to cancel a ballot by mail. The EP team is working to provide additional information to voters to provide more clarity on this issue.
In addition, reports have been made in various counties of polling locations failing to reflect newly registered voters. EP attorneys are working with county officials to ensure that all newly registered voters are reflected on the lists at polling locations.
Updates on Litigation : No new litigation updates.
Updates on Community Advocacy
KYR: 4 Things Texas Voters Experiencing Homelessness Or In A Non-Traditional Living Situation Need To Know, Read Here
NEWS: Lawsuit over emergency ballots heads to Travis County district court, Read Here
Weds., Oct. 14, 2020 | 2nd day of Early Voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: Today, we received a report from a homeless shelter resident in Dallas County raising concerns about the accuracy of vote-by-mail information being provided to residents and about whether the facility’s COVID-19 safety protocols were discouraging in-person voting by residents. The EP team monitored the issue closely and learned that, after receiving instruction from the Secretary of State, the shelter indicated that it will allow all residents to vote in person without jeopardizing their ability to retain their space at the shelter and will provide rides to the polls. We will continue to watch this situation and consider additional action.
Further, we received reports regarding a lack of curbside voting information at polling places in multiple counties, including Bexar and Hidalgo Counties. Finally, voters in Brazoria County reported that the wrong date had been put into the access code on one or more voting machines. EP confirmed with the county that it was a mistake that did not affect the validity of any votes cast.
Updates on Litigation: Please find a copy of the Bexar County District Court order requiring additional Election Day polling locations and notice of polling locations here.
Updates Community Advocacy: On Wednesday, we released 1 KYR post.
3 Things On Voting As A Formerly Incarcerated Person In Texas. Read Here
Bexar County Elections Must Increase Election Day Polling Sites, Judge Says. Read Here
If you need help voting, call us now at 866-OUR-vote or visit texaselectionprotection.org.
Tues., OCt. 13, 2020 | 1st day of early voting
Key Issues We’re Watching: The first day of early voting opened with long lines across the state and record levels of voting in parts of the state. Most notably, all of the voting machines in Fort Bend County were down when the polls opened, causing a massive disruption to voting and prompting the County Commissioners Court to extend early voting by two hours for the rest of this week. Election Protection attorneys were in communication with election officials in Fort Bend County about the issue and monitored the Commissioners Court’s actions. In addition, we received reports from a polling location in Denton County where an election judge refused to wear a mask and discouraged poll workers from providing sanitizer and masks to voters. Further, a lack of curbside voting accessibility was reported at one location in Bexar County. Election Protection attorneys have reached out to elections officials to address these issues and will be monitoring these issues as early voting continues.
Updates on Litigation: On Monday, October 12, 2020, TCRP obtained a court order requiring the Bexar County Elections Department to (1) add 18 election day polling locations, raising the number from 284 polling locations to 302; and (2) post a notice of polling locations on its website 21 days in advance of the election. Bexar County also agreed to resume appointing Volunteer Deputy Registrars.
TCRP recently filed a petition in Travis County’s 419th District Court, seeking to enjoin the State and Travis County from enforcing the Texas Election Code’s doctor’s certification provision for voters who request an emergency absentee ballot. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2020.
Updates on Other Advocacy: On Tuesday, we released 1 press release, 1 media advisory for a press briefing on Thursday, and we released 2 Election Protection Alerts. Additionally, we released voter education for Transgender voters, electioneering, and options on how to vote.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Texas Voting Lawsuits Briefing, RSVP Here
PRESS RELEASE: Court Rules in Favor of Increased Polling Locations and Transparency From Elections Department in Bexar County, Read Here
ALERT #1: On Fort Bend County Issues, See Here
ALERT #2: Update on Fort Bend County Issues, See Here
Know-your-rights: 5 Things Trans Voters In Texas Need To Know, Read Here
Know-your-rights: 8 Fun And Safe Ways To Vote In Texas, Read Here
Know-your-rights: Electioneering Rules in Texas, Read Here
If you need help voting, call us now at 866-OUR-vote or visit texaselectionprotection.org.