CONTACT:
Tracy A. Baskin
713-274-8021(o)
Tracy.Baskin@tax.hctx.net

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DON’T BE IN SUSPENSE ABOUT BEING ABLE TO VOTE

Houston, TX – The 2018 Primary Elections are quickly approaching and Tax Assessor-Collector Ann Harris Bennett reminds citizens that February 5, 2018 is the last day to register to vote for the 2018 Primary Elections.

Hurricane Harvey brought with it a major impact to our county in more ways than the devastation of homes. It has temporarily displaced many of our residents and some permanently.

Ms. Bennett would like to clarify any misunderstandings or misinformation regarding the Hurricane Harvey Evacuees and their ability to vote in the upcoming 2018 Primary Elections.

“Every citizen and election is important,” said Bennett. “Hurricane Harvey, has had a tremendous impact on Harris County residents. I want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to exercise their right to vote despite this inconvenience.”

More specifically to the Evacuees who noticed their voter registration says “SUSPENSE” and they are not able to update their information online.
(See Texas Election Code Section 15.081 – SUSPENSE LIST)

“An individual placed on the Suspense List is still ELIGIBLE TO VOTE”, said Bennett.

Your voting rights have NOT been suspended. Your name has been placed on a suspense list to alert the clerks at the polling locations to have you complete a Statement of Residence form which updates your information.

There are 175,000 residents that have been placed on the suspense list thus far. Our Voters staff is working diligently to contact those residents to update their information. We also utilize the US Postal Service’s - National Change Of Address database to assist us in locating residents in suspense status.

Voters can update their address information by filling out a Voter Registration application and check the “Change of Address” box on the form. These forms can be found at any of the 16 Tax office locations, on the tax office website www.hctax.net, the Secretary of State website www.sos.state.tx.us/, public libraries or can be obtained from a Harris County Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar, or call our office and we will mail the form.