AUSTIN, Texas — Election season is in full swing, and a lot of prospective voters are trying to make sure they're registered to cast their ballots this fall. But some are worried if their vote will count.
A post on Reddit claims that 12% of Texas voters' registration statuses are in "suspense" and their votes may not count in November.
Will a "suspense" status invalidate your vote? Let's VERIFY.
We checked with the Texas Secretary of State's Office. A spokesperson told us the numbers for the "suspense list" change from day to day, but the main reason someone may end up on the list is if the state or local registrar's office has reason to believe that their home address doesn't match what's listed on their registration.
But being on the "suspense list" doesn't mean you can't cast a ballot. If you're on the list, the state will mail you a "notice of address confirmation" form. You can fill that out and mail it back within 30 days to get removed from the list.
But even if you don't do that, the Secretary of State's Office said, "A voter on Suspense will need to vote in his or her old precinct on Election Day, as long as the voter lives within the same political subdivision conducting the election. When presenting himself for voting, the election judge will have the voter sign a statement of residence before voting."
And because most Central Texas counties participate in countywide polling, that means as long as you live in the same county that's listed on your registration, you'll be able to vote – and your vote will count. You'll just have to fill out a form at the polling place to confirm your address before you cast your ballot.
You will only be removed from Texas voter rolls if you're on the suspense list for two federal election cycles after you're placed on it.
So, we can VERIFY that being on the suspense list will not invalidate your vote.
That being said, the Secretary of State's Office is urging Texans to check their registration status now so they can fix any problems that might come up well before the November election.
The last day to register to vote this November is Oct. 7.