Staff Report
More than 1.2 million Texans have been placed on the state’s “suspense” list. You could be among them, making voting a little more difficult for you during the early voting period, Oct. 19-30, or during election day, Nov. 3. You need to check your voter status as soon as possible.
You can check your status online at the Texas Secretary of State’s office by simply visiting votetexas.org. But even if the Secretary of State reports you in suspense or record not found, you can check further your status at your county’s election office. In Hays, you can check your status at: https://mapps.hayscountytx.gov/election/index.cfm
If you are listed under suspense, you need to take steps now to update your status. Suspense means your county does not know your address or thinks you moved, typically because a voter registration card or jury summons was sent through the mail and was undeliverable. To avoid problems, you should update your address by Oct. 5, the last day to register to vote.
If you show up to vote and you’re found to be in “suspense,” you can still vote, but it will be more of a hassle. Voters in suspense do not give up their right to vote. However, it is going to take you longer to vote because you’ll have to undergo an additional process at your polling place.
If you still have questions or problems with your status, contact the Hays County Elections Office at [email protected] or call at 512 393-7310.
Ray Chavez
Buda
