Delays Linked to Software Upgrade and Redistricting

The state election office has experienced delays in processing voter registration certificates throughout Texas because of technical problems with new election management software and the implementation of new congressional maps. The state voter registration system problems emerged after officials completed a comprehensive system update and needed to handle mid-cycle districting changes which involved them validating extensive district data. 

The certificates which voters receive every two years through mail delivery system provide information about their designated voting precincts and electoral district boundaries. The cards function as both a useful reference tool and an optional identification document yet they do not serve as a mandatory requirement for voting.

Impact on Counties and Election Administrators

Most counties in Texas depend on the TEAM election management system from the state to create and print their certificates. The election administrators experience system delays when they generate the large reports required for mailing which causes their work to take longer. State officials are still working with multiple counties to finish their redistricting data uploads which includes areas that have just completed runoff elections.

Counties that use third-party vendors instead of the TEAM system have already mailed certificates which demonstrates how technical issues with the state platform have caused delays in processing.

Challenges for Voter List Maintenance

The election administration process for updating voter lists faces disruption because of delayed mailings. Officials receive alerts about voter address changes through returned certificates which enable them to update electoral records before elections. County officials report they will face challenges processing returned mail before the upcoming primaries which will decrease their ability to maintain accurate voter rolls.

What Voters Should Know

Registered voters can still vote even if they do not possess a certificate. Residents can verify their registration details and district information through official state election websites or by contacting their county registrar. Officials also advise returning any certificates received for former residents to help maintain accurate voter rolls.