Voter Registration Backlog Resolved in Bexar County

Bexar County election officials have completed processing a backlog of 72,000 voter registration applications just days before the start of early voting for the Nov. 4 election.

The accumulation began building in July after the county’s longtime vendor, California-based VOTEC, ceased operations. Simultaneously, the Texas Secretary of State’s voter registration platform, Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM), was undergoing a major system upgrade, leaving the county without an active system for more than two months.

Bexar County transitioned to the TEAM system in late September and began processing the delayed applications on Oct. 1. The Austin American-Statesman reports that more than 80 full-time, part-time, and temporary workers were hired to help clear the backlog by working extended hours, some up to 14 hours a day.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Commissioners Court, Texas Secretary of State, and my entire team, including temporary staff. Their efforts made this possible,” said Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew in a statement Wednesday.

All eligible voter registration applications submitted by the Oct. 6 deadline have been processed, and will be able to cast their ballots, even if they have not yet received a voter registration card in the mail. 

The upcoming election includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, as well as two Bexar County funding projects for a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs and renovations to the Freeman Coliseum grounds.

Early voting runs from Oct. 20 through Oct. 31.

Bexar County voters can check their voter registration status at votetexas.gov.