Local elections office ready to answer questions

The 21st Century's leading adage is "you can't trust everything you read on the internet." That is especially true during a divisive, controversial time in national politics with a big election on November 5.

When it comes to seeking correct election information, the Orange County Elections Administration Office is the place to find answers to questions. The office, under the direction of Donna Alford, is at 206 Border Street to the west of the main courthouse. The number is 409-882-7973 with office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The presidential race is making the headlines, but for local state and county races, all Republican candidates are running without Democratic opponents.

However, some Orange County tax-supported entities will be having elections for their boards of directors. Alford said the Orangefield ISD will have spots open on the board of trustees. Also, Orange County Services District No. 1 for Vidor and Orange County Services District No. 2 for Little Cypress will be having elections to fill seats on their boards. The emergency services districts provide fire and rescue services to their communities.

Social media has been warning of a "purge" taking people off the Texas registered voters list. Alford said anyone concerned about whether they are on the official voters list can check the Texas Secretary of State's website, or call the Orange County Elections Administration.

Alford has been working Orange County elections for 32 years and said the process for removing names from the voting roles has not changed. She said the statewide rules have names removed after the November national election in an even-numbered year. So the upcoming removal of names would be after November this year.

A name will be removed from the registered voters list if the voter's registration card was returned for the wrong address and then that voter went through at least four years of not voting.

If a voter who had not signed a change of address form and has a card rejected, that voter may still cast a ballot in the county. The polls would have the names of those with cards returned. The voter with an approved photo identification tells the poll worker their new address, they will be able to cast a ballot and then be registered with a new address.

The deadline for registering to vote for the November 5 election is Monday, October 7. Alford said any change in address should also be made by that date. To change an address within Orange County, people should go to the elections administration office on Border Street.

Someone moving from another county in Texas to Orange County may change their address on the secretary of state's website or through the local Orange County elections office.

Voter registration may also be done online through the Texas Secretary of State. Alford said if anyone is concerned about their registration being accepted, to file one directly in the local off on Border Street.

Early voting will begin October 21 and run through November 1, including a Sunday. Early voting polls will be at the Orange Public Library, Mauriceville Community Center, Orange County Airport, and Raymond Gould Community Center in Vidor.

The Record Newspapers will provide details of the hours for early voting closer to the dates.