As early voting gets underway, there are concerns that some Texas voters might be turned away at the polls. Members of the national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition explain that voters who are unable to cast their ballot could be due to overzealous cleaning of the registration rolls for example, or other issues that might seem like voter suppression.
The coalition is comprised of more than 100 local, state and national partners, working year-old on election issues. One such group is the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP). They too are looking to hear from the public when things go wrong. Veronikah Warms is the group’s staff attorney. She tells Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies, “We are interested in that every single Texan can cast a ballot that counts. To do that, we are part on an election protection coalition. We are a group of non-partisan attorneys that are available to help Texans with any and all of their voting questions, or if they see anything concerning at the polls.”
The TCRP utilizes the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683). Voter advocates say people who call (or text) can speak with a trained Election Protection volunteer. Their website, 866ourvote.org, The site has more information about voting in your state. Early voting continues through Friday, November 1st in Texas.
If you are turned away at the polls because your name is not on the register, voter advocates instruct people not to simply walk away. Instead, you can say “I request a provisional ballot and receipt as required by law.”
