Understanding Texas’ Suspense List: What You Need to Know
Have you heard about Texas’ suspense list and wondered what it means for voters? The KHOU 11 Verify Team has received numerous inquiries about this topic and is here to provide clarity.
The Suspense List Explained
As of August 1, 2024, there are over 2 million voters currently on Texas’ suspense list. This list was established in 1995 to comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which mandates that states update their voter rolls regularly.
The suspense list refers to voters who may have address discrepancies, but despite being on this list, they are still allowed to vote in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election.
What You Need to Know
One common question is whether millions of Texas voters are being removed from the voting pool. The answer is yes, but only if they fail to vote in the 2024 presidential election.
If a voter’s address is updated before the election, they will be removed from the suspense list and considered “active.” However, those who do not cast a ballot will be purged from the voter rolls post-election and will need to re-register with a valid address.
It’s important to note that voters on the suspense list can still vote by attesting to their address at the polling location. They can also update their address online before the voter registration deadline on October 7 at votetexas.gov.
Fast Facts About Texas Voter Rolls
Question #1: Can registered voters be purged from the rolls?
Yes, according to the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, states like Texas can purge voter rolls, but not within 90 days of an election to prevent disruption during the voting period.
Question #2: Can a voter be purged before the 2024 election?
No, large-scale purges are prohibited until after federal elections, meaning voters in Texas will not be removed from the rolls until after the 2024 presidential election.
Question #3: Can I still vote if I’m on the suspense list?
Yes, voters on the suspense list are allowed to vote by confirming their address at the polling location. Once this is done, they will be eligible to cast their ballot and be removed from the suspense list.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the suspense list in Texas, feel free to reach out to the Secretary of State’s Office for more information.