A recent overhaul of Texas’ voter registration system has led to delays in processing applications, with thousands of Tarrant County voters facing issues with registration approvals and polling locations.
A new system update, which aimed to improve information security and efficiency, was rolled out in July. However, it has caused problems for counties across the state, including Tarrant County, where a backlog of over 13,000 voter applications was reported. Despite assurances from election officials that the issue had been resolved, many voters were still facing delays.
Volunteer deputy registrar Deborah McKenzie expressed concern about the impact on eligible voters, particularly her own grandson who faced difficulties registering to vote due to the system’s glitches. “I’m not entirely sure that our eligible voters were all able to vote in this last election,” she said.
The Texas Secretary of State’s office has maintained that counties had a direct line to their office for any issues and systematically addressed them. However, many county officials and voting rights advocates disagree, citing inconsistent behavior and insufficient support resources.
The issue has left many residents frustrated, with some being told to “be patient” despite delays. The situation has raised concerns about the long-term implications of the system overhaul on future elections.
In Tarrant County, election administrators had procedures in place to ensure that eligible voters could still cast ballots, including offering provisional ballots. However, many voters faced difficulties accessing polling locations due to issues with the state’s “My Voter Portal” webpage.
As the system continues to evolve, election officials and advocates are urging caution and emphasizing the need for continued support and training to ensure a smooth transition.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/17/thousands-of-tarrant-county-voter-applications-saw-delays-ahead-of-nov-4-election