If you run into a problem while voting in Texas, there are steps you can take to make sure your concern is heard and, when possible, that you still get a chance to cast a ballot.
Texas voters have the right to vote free from intimidation and to report possible voting-rights violations to election officials. The Texas Secretary of State also says voters have the right to cast a provisional ballot in certain circumstances, including when their name does not appear on the list of registered voters.
Here’s what to do if you encounter a problem at the polls.
If you have a problem at your polling place, start by asking to speak with the election judge or another polling-place official.
Voters have the right to ask a polling-place official for instructions on how to cast their ballot, although election officials cannot tell you how to vote.
If your name does not appear on the list of registered voters, you may still have the right to cast a provisional ballot.
Polling places are also required to display a voter complaint information poster with information about how to report problems with the conduct of an election.
If your issue isn’t resolved at the polling place, you can contact your county election office or county clerk.
For Houston-area voters:
Harris County Clerk’s Elections Department: 713-755-6965
The department handles questions about elections, voter registration and voting.
Galveston County Elections: 409-770-5108
Galveston County Clerk’s Office: 409-766-2200
Brazoria County Elections: 979-864-1059
The county’s Election Office is located at 1524 E. Mulberry in Angleton.
Email: VoterIssues@fbctx.gov.
You can also find your county’s election official through the Texas Secretary of State.
If you believe there was a violation of state or federal voting procedures, you can file an administrative election complaint with the Texas Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State provides an Election Complaint Form specifically for election-related complaints.
The agency says written complaints can be used to report alleged abnormalities in elections or possible violations of the Texas Election Code.
File an election complaint with the Texas Secretary of State
Texas law prohibits voter intimidation. The Secretary of State lists examples including blocking access to a polling place, aggressively questioning a voter’s qualifications, following voters, spreading false or misleading election information, or using threats or violence to interfere with someone’s right to vote.
If you feel unsafe or believe a crime is occurring, contact law enforcement.
You can also report the incident to your local election officials and the Texas Secretary of State.
The Texas Ethics Commission is not the general complaint destination for problems at polling places.
The commission handles certain violations involving political contributions and expenditures, political advertising and other laws within its jurisdiction. Its own guidance specifically says complaints about electioneering or campaign activity around polling locations should be directed to the Texas Secretary of State.
If your concern involves campaign finance or political advertising, you can file a sworn complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission.
Learn more about filing a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission
If something goes wrong while you’re voting, don’t simply leave without asking questions.
Ask a polling-place official or election judge for help, contact your county election office and, if necessary, file a complaint with the Texas Secretary of State.
Texas’ voter information poster specifically tells voters they have the right to report possible voting-rights abuses and to cast a provisional ballot in certain situations.
