<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4TBxEz_1GqXV3Ng00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4TBxEz_1GqXV3Ng00" width="400" height="225" >AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Some Texas voters who showed up to cast their ballots on Election Day discovered their names were missing from the voter rolls in their new county, leaving them with limited options and questions about whether their votes would count.Randall County Elections Administrator Shannon Lackey said the issue involved voters who moved from one Texas county to another without updating their voter registration."We saw so many people that stood in and they waited their turn to go vote. And they get to the front of the line, and they can't find them in the official list of registered voters," Lackey said.Election officials can search the statewide voter registration system to determine whether someone is registered in another Texas county.Lackey said some voters discovered their registration was still tied to their previous county, despite having moved and established residency elsewhere.The problem highlights a common misunderstanding about voter registration. Being registered to vote in Texas does not necessarily mean a voter is registered in the county where they currently live.Limited ballots offered another optionTexas allows certain voters who move between counties to cast a limited ballot during early voting.The option applies to voters who were previously registered in another Texas county and meet the state's eligibility requirements. Limited ballots include races and measures common to both the voter's former and current counties.However, that option is not available on Election Day."We had people come in this office on Monday because they wanted to vote a limited ballot the Monday before election, November 2nd. Early voting ended on Friday," Lackey said.That left some voters who waited until the final days before the election without the same options available during early voting.Lackey emphasized that updating registration in the county where a voter currently resides is the best way to ensure access to a full ballot."The only way to ensure you're going to get a full ballot is if you update your voter registration in your county that you currently reside," Lackey said.<h2>Will provisional ballots count?</h2>Some voters who encountered registration problems on Election Day chose to cast provisional ballots.Unlike regular ballots, provisional ballots are not immediately included in election results. Election officials must first review the voter's eligibility and registration information to determine whether the ballot can be counted.Lackey said her office is processing those ballots and reviewing available registration records, including information from the Texas Department of Public Safety.Whether a provisional ballot count depends on the voter's individual circumstances and whether election officials can verify eligibility under state law.Voters who cast provisional ballots will receive written notification explaining whether their ballots were counted. If a ballot is rejected, the notice must explain why.Lackey also explained that completing a provisional ballot affidavit can serve as a voter registration application, even when the ballot itself cannot be counted for that election."So, then their vote doesn't count for this particular election, but it does get them registered for the next one," Lackey said, describing cases where a provisional ballot is rejected but the affidavit establishes registration for future elections.<h2>Moving? Update your registration</h2>Lackey said the registration deadline has remained 30 days before an election throughout her two decades working in elections.She encourages residents to update their information as soon as they move rather than waiting until another major election approaches.Texas voters can update their registration address through the state's online voter registration update service. First-time voters generally must submit a registration application, although certain transactions through the Department of Public Safety also allow eligible residents to register electronically.Lackey said she would like to see voter registration applications routinely offered to people signing leases, purchasing homes or moving into apartment complexes.She also reminded voters that registration is not limited to homeowners. Eligible residents can register in the county where they actually live, including college students living away from home.College students who remain registered in their home county may be eligible to vote there in person or request a mail ballot if they meet the applicable requirements. Those who want to vote in their college community must establish and maintain the appropriate registration.<h2>Young voters can register before turning 18</h2>Lackey also wants younger Texans to understand they do not have to wait until their 18th birthday to begin the registration process."Anyone can register to vote when they are 17 years and ten months old. You can go ahead and register to vote," Lackey said.Texas allows eligible residents to register at 17 years and 10 months old, provided they meet the other registration requirements. They must be 18 by Election Day to cast a regular ballot.Lackey said that early registration window gives young voters time to meet the state's registration deadline before their first election.<h2>What voters should do next</h2>With Election Day over, Lackey encourages anyone who discovered a registration problem to contact their county voter registrar and correct their information now.Voters should also verify that their registration reflects their current residential address, particularly after moving between counties.Lackey said voter registration drives are held throughout the year, including at schools, colleges and community events.She encourages residents to take advantage of those opportunities and make sure their information is accurate.For voters who encountered problems this election, the message is simple: Don't wait until the next Election Day to discover an outdated address could stand between you and the ballot box.</div></body>

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AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Some Texas voters who showed up to cast their ballots on Election Day discovered their names were missing from the voter rolls in their new county, leaving them with limited options and questions about whether their votes would count. Randall County Elections Administrator Shannon Lackey...

Voter address issues hit county and state

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AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Some Texas voters who showed up to cast their ballots on Election Day discovered their names were missing from the voter rolls in 

Voter address issues hit county and state

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