Texas voter registration backlog hits 500,000 following DPS error

Texas voters face an October 5 registration deadline amid a significant backlog of at least 500,000 voter-registration records. The delay stems from a software update by a vendor at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which caused three required data fields to be omitted from files sent to the Secretary of State’s Office. This error affected applications and updates submitted through the DPS online driver’s license and state-ID portal.

The backlog includes both new applications and changes to existing registrations. While the DPS identified and resolved the issue by September 13, county officials are still working to process the delayed data. Officials noted that the backlog does not necessarily represent 500,000 unique unregistered individuals, as it includes various types of registration updates.

To ensure voter access, state officials stated that eligible voters will not lose their right to vote due to the DPS error. Individuals who registered through the DPS but do not appear on official rolls may request a provisional ballot, which can be counted after officials confirm a valid registration was submitted by the deadline. Voters are encouraged to check their status via the state’s “Am I Registered?” portal or contact their local county voter registrar.