After spending the past year (post-Harvey) unemployed, I finally landed a new job (and I’m loving it). However, the new job took me to Austin. I started the new job on the first day of early voting: Oct 22.

2018 Midterm Early Voting

I went to the Harris County Clerk’s Office on Wed Oct 12 to request my ballot-by-mail. After a full week of early voting and not having yet received a ballot, I called and then officially wrote a signed letter delivered via email to the clerks office requesting a second ballot.

At the time, the person on the phone told me the first had been sent on Oct 18th. I also received an email on Nov 1 that the second had been sent on Oct 31.

Not having received a ballot, and not being able to make an election day visit to Houston, I went to Houston Thu Nov 1 so that I could vote on the final early voting day: Fri Nov 2.

On Fri Nov 2, I went to the SPJST Lodge #88 on the last day of early voting, and waited in a lengthy 40 minute line. When you request a ballot-by-mail and then show up to work, you have to fill out some paperwork with the election judge and they cancel your mail ballot.

There  were lots of kids in tow, and many first time voters. I prefer to vote on election day and it’s the first non-primary I have voted in early voting.

Upon returning to Austin I had received a ballot (either Fri Nov 2 or Sat Nov 3) that was postmarked Oct 31. On Mon Nov 5 I also received one postmarked Nov 1.

So, the earliest I may have received a ballot was the Friday before the election. I would not have had time to get it (after work), fill it out, and mail it. If not received by election day, the ballot does not count.

I called 866-OUR-VOTE to register the issue. I don’t particularly need them to specifically address this, but if it’s a pattern that is showing up, it’s yet another reason we need to #FireStanStanart!

If you have ANY ISSUES with voting, it doesn’t have to be full disenfranchisement, you should call the number above.

Summary:

• Oct 12: requested
• Oct 18: sent (claimed on Oct 29)
• Nov 1: sent (actual, via postmark)
• Nov 2/3: received (postmark Nov 1)
• Oct 29: re-requested
• Oct 31: sent (claimed on Nov 1)
• Nov 5: received (postmark Oct 31)
• Nov 6: must be returned or it is not accepted