Judge’s Ruling Protects 127,000 Harris County, Texas, Votes Cast by Drive-Thru Polling

HOUSTON—Today, a federal judge ruled that votes cast by drive-thru polling in Harris County, Texas, will not be invalidated after a challenge to the state’s election plan. The League of Women Voters of Texas joined the case as intervenors along with the ACLU of Texas.  

“Today’s decision was absolutely necessary to reestablish some confidence in the preservation of our voting rights. This is a win for Texas voters and a win for democracy!” said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas. “Every Harris County voter who cast their ballot at a drive-thru polling site can rest assured that their votes are valid and will be counted. Today, the Court protected our country’s commitment to ‘one person, one vote.’ We are encouraged by the incredible early voter turnout in Texas, and today’s decision ensures that more than 120,000 Harris County voters will be included in that number.” 

During the Texas early voting period, voters in the Houston area had the option to cast their ballots at drive-thru polling places instead of entering traditional indoor sites. After Harris County brought drive-thru voting options to the table this summer, the concept was promptly approved by Texas Secretary of State. The county tested this option in July and approved it for use in the general election in August. 

“Today’s decision protects more than 120,000 voters from having their say in this election wrongfully thrown out. The lawless attempt to challenge Texas’s months-old election plan after thousands of votes have been cast was avoided for this election,” said Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, board president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “We applaud election officials in Texas and across the country for their efforts to count every vote in the midst of this unprecedented election. The court’s ruling today was the right decision to uphold the tenets of our democracy and prove it shall prevail.” 

“This is what democracy looks like,” said Andre Segura, legal director of the ACLU of Texas. “This is the third attempt by these individuals to throw out votes legally cast, and once again they’ve been denied. Our justice system did its duty today to ensure voting rights are protected and our democracy remains intact.”

Polls are open in Texas on Election Day from 7:00am to 7:00pm Central Time. Voters can find info about their polling location, who is on their ballot, their ID requirements, and more at VOTE411.org. 

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PRESS CONTACT: Kayla Vix | 202-809-9668 | [email protected]