Texas Suspense List Explained: What It Means for El Paso Voters

Social media posts claiming that Texas has improperly suspended 1.2 million voter registrations have circulated in recent days, but the suspense list is a routine part of the state's voting process and the number of voters on it has actually declined from previous elections, according to El Paso Matters.

The suspense list is required by Texas law. Voters frequently move without notifying their local elections office, and the list helps ensure that voters receive proper ballots for their new address or are removed from rolls in their former county if they no longer live there, Lisa Wise, El Paso County Elections Administrator, explained to El Paso Matters.

"The suspense list is mostly made up of registered voters who have received an official election mail piece from us and we then send a follow up letter if that mail piece is returned," Wise said. "If we don't receive the second mail piece confirming their address, they are put on suspense."

Voters on the suspense list can still cast ballots in the November 3 general election, though they may need to fill out additional paperwork at the polling place. "Suspense voters are still allowed to vote. Most of them are required to fill out a statement of residence confirming their registration address and then vote a regular ballot," Wise said.

To check registration status, voters can visit websites run by the Texas Secretary of State's Office or the El Paso County Elections Office. An "active" status means a voter is ready to vote; "suspense" status means the voter must resolve the issue by October 5 to avoid delays at the polls.

Voters can update their address online through the Texas Secretary of State's Office, by mail, or in person at the El Paso County Elections Department in the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 301. They will need a driver's license or Texas identification card with current address, Social Security number, and voter unique identification number.

In El Paso County, the number of voters on the suspense list is lower than two years ago, according to data from the Texas Secretary of State's Office released in March. Voters remain on the suspense list for two years before registration is canceled if the issue is not resolved.