First Ballots for the Presidential Election are in the Mail
Military and Overseas Ballots Mailed for the Super Bowl of Elections
Houston, TX – The Office of Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart began mailing absentee ballots this week to military personnel and citizens living abroad for the November 6, 2012 Election. This mail shipment is the first major public signpost that the election has begun. The first batch of local mail ballots will be mailed on Saturday.
“My office has been humming with activity the last week finalizing the ballot and processing close to 45,000 mail ballot requests that have already been received for the Super Bowl of elections,” said Stanart, the County’s Chief Election Officer. “We are anticipating over 100,000 mail ballot requests for this Presidential election and are committed to making sure that each request is processed in a timely and efficient manner.” During the 2008 Presidential election, the Clerk’s office received 80,059 mail ballot requests.
“In an election year when the redistricting process may have changed your Election Day poll, I urge voters to vote early, whether it is by mail or in person,” continued Stanart. Harris County voters have until October 30 to submit a mail ballot request if they are qualified to vote by mail. For qualification requirements see www.HarrisVotes.com. All registered voters may vote by personal appearance from October 22 to November 2 at any of the 37 early voting locations. On Election Day, November 6th, voters are required to vote at their precinct’s polling location.
An exciting development for the Harris County Clerk’s Office for this election is that Harris County was chosen as one of thirty-five voting jurisdictions nation-wide who received a grant to improve the process for our Military and Overseas voters to apply for, receive, and track their ballots online. Qualifying Military and Overseas voters should look under “Voting Info” at www.HarrisVotes.com for details.
“The Federally funded program is in place starting this election and it will increase efficiency and expedite ballot access service for Harris County voters serving in the military or living abroad,” concluded Stanart.
For more information about voting by mail or to obtain early voting information, voters should visit www.harrisvotes.com or call 713.755.6965.