Dallas, TX – With early voting set to begin on Oct. 19, the Texas Secretary of State’s office released numbers showing the state’s voter suspense list has risen to nearly 1.8 million voters. That represents an increase of roughly 530,000 names since the March update.
What the suspense list means
When a county cannot verify a voter’s current address, the voter is placed on the suspense list. This typically occurs when a registration card or jury summons is returned as undeliverable. The state mails new voter‑registration cards every two years to the most recent address on file; if a voter does not receive the card, it may indicate an unreported move.
Scope of the issue
Texas has about 19 million registered voters. More than 9 percent of them – roughly 1.8 million people – are currently listed as “suspended.” In March, the figure was about 6 percent. County‑by‑county numbers show the largest concentrations in Dallas (over 155,000), Collin (64,000), Denton (more than 73,000) and Tarrant (over 103,000) counties.
How to check your status
Voters can verify their registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s online portal or through their county’s voter‑registration website. Those listed as “suspense” will see that designation next to their name.
Voting options for suspense‑listed voters
Although the deadline to be removed from the suspense list for the upcoming midterm election passed on Oct. 5, voters on the list can still cast a ballot. If a voter moved within the same county, a statement‑of‑residence form – available at every polling place – can be completed to update the registration. The voter should be removed from the suspense list by the next election cycle.
For voters who moved to a different county, a limited ballot is available during early voting (Oct. 19‑30). The limited ballot includes state and federal races but excludes local contests. On Election Day (Nov. 3) these voters must submit a provisional ballot, which will be counted after the voter’s eligibility is verified. To have a provisional ballot counted, the voter must appear at the county registrar’s office within six days of the election with an acceptable form of identification. The office will notify the voter within 30 days whether the ballot was counted.
How long a voter remains on the list
Texas law removes a voter from the suspense list after two general elections – roughly four years – if the voter’s status is not resolved.
What voters should do now
Anyone who suspects they may be on the suspense list should check their registration status immediately and be prepared to bring the required documentation to the polls. Early‑voting locations will have the statement‑of‑residence forms, and county election officials are ready to assist voters in completing the process.
For more information, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website or your local county elections office.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
