Harris County approves voting at any poll location

LEFT TO RIGHT: Houston Comptroller Chris Brown, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Clerk's office Administrator of Elections Michael Winn, Harris County Clerk Dr. Diane Trautman, Harris County Tax Assessor & Collector Ann Bennett, and Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 1 Joe Stephens at the announcement. (Photo by Allan Jamail)
LEFT TO RIGHT: Houston Comptroller Chris Brown, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Clerk’s office Administrator of Elections Michael Winn, Harris County Clerk Dr. Diane Trautman, Harris County Tax Assessor & Collector Ann Bennett, and Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 1 Joe Stephens at the announcement. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

HOUSTON, TX – Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman announced last week, “The Texas Secretary of State David Whitley approved Harris County — as one of six Texas counties with a population of more than 100,000 — to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program. With over 2 million registered voters, this makes Harris County the largest county in the country to implement this program. The state program allows eligible counties to establish non-precinct based Election Day Voting Centers.”

“The voters of Harris County have made it clear that a Countywide Polling Place Program would have a positive impact on elections, and I am confident that the transition to a Countywide Polling Place Program will be successful. If the Election Day Voting Centers increases just one percent, with 2 million registered voters, that is a significant increase. We’re hoping for a 1 to 10 percent increase,” Trautman said.

Other local Representatives are pleased with this program.

“I am very appreciative of Dr. Trautman our county judge and all the commissioners for voting unanimously to provide more ways for the citizens of Harris county to participate in our elections. Elections are the cornerstones of our democracy, and today marks a historic event in ensuring our citizens are encouraged and not discouraged from participating,” said Judge Joe Stephens.