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Texas voter registration backlog hits counties due to state agency error
A technical error within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has caused a massive backlog of voter registration applications, leaving county election offices struggling to process records ahead of the November midterm elections.
The issue originated in October 2025, when incomplete registration data from the DPS online driver’s license portal failed to transmit to local county officials. This error includes both new registrations and updates to existing information, such as address changes. Local officials warn that the delay may have already disenfranchised voters during the state’s March primary.
Several populous counties are facing significant administrative burdens. Bexar County reported receiving over 45,000 backlogged applications overnight, while Dallas County must process more than 68,000 records. Montgomery County is managing approximately 34,780 cases, and Collin County is reviewing over 40,000.
The Texas Department of Public Safety stated that the system issue has been resolved and they are working with the Secretary of State to backfill the missing information. With the voter registration deadline set for October 5, 2026, election officials may need to hire temporary workers to ensure all records are updated before early voting begins on October 19.
Entities
Bexar County · Chris McGinn · Texas Association of County Election Officials · Texas Department of Public Safety · Texas Secretary of State
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The voter registration deadline for the November 2026 election is October 5. laopinion.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The error may have disenfranchised voters during the state’s March primary. looniepolitics.com · srnnews.com · borncity.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · +1 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Texas Department of Public Safety experienced a technical error that prevented voter registration records from being sent to counties. looniepolitics.com · srnnews.com · borncity.com · laopinion.com · sanantonioreport.org · +5 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dallas County must process 68,104 registration records that were not forwarded since October 2025. borncity.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Bexar County received approximately 45,000 backlogged voter registration applications. looniepolitics.com · srnnews.com · borncity.com · sanantonioreport.org · www.newsday.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Montgomery County is processing approximately 34,780 backlogged records. borncity.com · abc13.com