Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced that more than 18.6 million Texans are registered to vote ahead of the November 5 election, 5% higher than the 2022 number of 17.6 million. The last day to register in time for the November 5 election was October 7. Early voting in person began Monday, October 21 and ends November 1. During early voting, Texans may vote at any polling location in their county of registration. For more information on polling locations and requirements, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Nelson also issued a press release highlighting security measures for the election process, including details on continual updates to voters rolls and registration, poll watcher practices, ID verification, and post-election audits. Many of these measures are part SB 1 (87-2); certain provisions allowing investigations into potential vote harvesting were recently enjoined, however the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has stayed the injunction pursuant to an appeal from AG Ken Paxton.
House and Senate legislative committees have been meeting to address election-related interim charges and related topics. See below for a spotlight on recent meetings and links to HillCo reports:
Senate State Affairs on 10/15/24
- Public Trust in Government: Examine the current state of accountability, ethics, and transparency in local government. Recommend ways to bolster public trust in local government by strengthening the Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act.
- Adherence to Texas Election Laws: Evaluate the Secretary of State’s Election Audit Program’s findings and solicit information regarding emergent election issues in other counties. Make recommendations to ensure counties faithfully adhere to Texas election laws and those tasked with administering and enforcing the law receive appropriate resources and training.
- The storage and management processes for voter registration data and those tasked with administering and monitoring these processes.
Important Election Dates
Monday, October 21 – First Day of In-Person Early Voting
Friday, October 25 – Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail
Friday, November 1 – Last Day of In-Person Early Voting
Tuesday, November 5 – Election Day
