By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Voting just got a whole lot easier in Marion County.
The Texas Secretary of State has approved Marion County’s application to participate in the countywide polling place program starting with the March 3, 2020, primary elections.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity for the voters of Marion County” said Marion County Clerk Vickie Smith. “ I wish to also express my gratitude to members of the Advisory Board, my staff and the Secretary of State’s office for providing great insight during this process. Registered voters will now be able to vote at any of the polling locations that are open on election day. There will no longer be an issue of voters showing up at the wrong polling location.“
Smith requested to participate in this program earlier this year but had to reapply as the county was “next in line”. The program allows the county to consolidate voting locations as well as a registered voter in Marion County will be able to vote at any voting location in the county, not just their home precinct.
“I think this a great step into bringing Marion County into the future, we have lead the way for surrounding counties,” said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur. “County Clerk, Vickie Smith has worked tirelessly on this endeavor and I’m very proud of her and this accomplishment for the voters of Marion County.”
The county must still provide at least one polling location in each precinct and comply with other state and federal voting location requirements like ADA, minimum number of polling locations, etc.
“This will also drastically reduce the number of provisional ballots,” smith Said. “Closer to Early Voting starting, I will be sending out post cards or flyers informing all registered voters of this change, along with the locations of the Countywide Polling places. I would also like to remind everyone that my door is always open if they have any issues or concerns. Let’s get out and VOTE!“
The county is also required to submit a report after the March 3, 2020, primary to make the approval permanent.
The county also received notification they are no longer required to submit any changes to voting practices or procedures to the U.S. Department of Justice for pre-clearance under Section 5 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act.
A copy of the letter from the Texas Secretary of State’s office follows.