Author: Thecia Jenkins

Editor’s Note:

The data is clear. People who receive mail-in ballots vote at a substantially higher rate than people who go to the polls in person. That’s why this information is so important. Please review the info below and take the appropriate action for yourself. AND PLEASE share this info with others who typically vote by mail, especially if they are not likely to have a computer or printer.

I hope there will be more public service announcements about these changes in the future, but we can’t afford a “wait and see” attitude. People who have routinely received an application for their mail-in ballot in the mail might not realize that the application didn’t arrive. And by the time they realize they don’t have a mail-in ballot it might be too late to apply for and receive one.

1. The process for obtaining and filing an Application for a Mail-in Ballot has changed.

If you or someone you know votes by mail, there are some important changes in the process. People who are unaware of these changes may end up being unable to vote by mail. For some, that will make them unable to vote at all.

Senate Bill 1 prohibits the distribution of mail-in ballot applications by the Election Administrator (EA).

If you have voted by mail in the past, you probably received an application for a mail-in ballot automatically each year, which reminded you to apply. You simply filled out the application and sent it in. You will no longer receive that application automatically. Instead, if you want to vote by mail, you must affirmatively request an application.

2. You can obtain a Vote by Mail Application in one of two ways. Go to the www.HarrisVotes.com website and click on “Voting by Mail.” There you’ll find a downloadable vote by mail application , a mail ballot tracker to monitor the process of

your application, and answers to any questions you might have. Just print the application, fill it out and mail it in.**

OR, if you do not have internet access or a printer and are unable to print an application on line, simply call the Election Administrator’s office at 713-755-6965 and ask them to mail you an application. They have personnel who will take your call and assist you.

Don’t delay! If you want to vote in the Primary, your application for a mail-in ballot must be received by the EA’s office no later than Friday, February 18, 2022. So to be safe, it should be mailed on or before Monday, February 14. Because mail delivery has slowed, apply now to be sure your application will arrive in time to be completed and sent back to Harris Votes well in advance of February 18. (If you miss the February 18 deadline, you won’t be able to vote in the primary BUT you will be able to vote in the November election.) ***

Senate Bill 1 creates new ID requirements for voting by mail.

SB1 establishes additional identification requirements for voting by mail. For the first time, the application for a mail-in ballot will ask for your full driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The same form of identification also must be included on the envelope you will use when you return your completed ballot. SB1 also requires that this identification information must match what is already on file in your individual voter record. In other words, the ID you provide now, in 2022, must be the same that you used when you registered to vote.

If you registered long ago, you may not remember which form of ID you used. However, the application and current voter registration forms ask for the last 4 digits of your SSN only if you don’t have a driver’s license. So using your driver’s license number would seem to be the best choice.

3. What if your ID information does not match what is in your voter record?

Don’t panic. Under this heading on the HarrisVotes website (see the link to “Senate Bill Election Law Effective December 2, 2021), the following statements appear:

Harris County Elections is here to ensure any simple mistakes are addressed.

• If we spot any mistakes, we will proactively reach out to you directly to address any inconsistencies if you included a phone number or email when registering to vote. If not, we will mail you a letter with follow up information.
• Still have questions? Call us at (713) 755-6965. Email: vbm@harrisvotes.com

NOTES:

** If you are 65 or older or are disabled, be sure to choose the “annual” ballot option. That option assures you will receive a ballot for all elections in the calendar year.

*** If you submit your application by FAX or EMAIL you must also submit it by mail and it must be received by the early voting clerk not later than the fourth business day after the transmission by fax or email is received. (TEC 84.007). · Email: vbm@HarrisVotes.com Fax: (713)-755-4983 or (713)-437-8683 Visit www.harrisvotes.com for more information. At the top of the welcome screen, you will see a red line that says “Senate Bill 1 Election Law Effective December 2, 2021. More info here.”