Texas Governor Greg Abbott Monday issued a Proclamation extending the early voting period for the November 3rd Election by nearly a week. Under this proclamation, early voting by personal appearance will begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and continue through Friday, October 30, 2020.
The proclamation also expands the period in which marked mail-in ballots may be delivered in person to the early voting clerk's office, allowing such delivery prior to as well as on Election Day.
"As we respond to COVID-19, the State of Texas is focused on strategies that preserve Texans' ability to vote in a way that also mitigates the spread of the virus," said Governor Abbott. "By extending the early voting period and expanding the period in which mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered, Texans will have greater flexibility to cast their ballots, while at the same time protecting themselves and others from COVID-19."
Texas Democrats say the extension doesn't go far enough to ensure the safety of Texas voters. "It should have at least been (extended) two weeks, there should be expanded vote by mail," said Party Spokesman Abhi Rahman. "There needs to be more money for County clerks, and really there needs to be a shift in attitude. Governor Abbott has had every opportunity to make voting convenient and safe for all Texans."
Texas Democrats remain hopeful that the US Supreme Court will take up their lawsuit against the state of Texas to allow all Texans to vote by mail during the pandemic.
Online: Read the Governor's Proclamation here.
