Elections Office advises residents to keep a look out for scams

Voter’s applications are being mass mailed out by a variety of special interest groups. You may already be a registered voter and received your new voter’s certificate directly from my office but still receive an application in the mail. If you know you’re registered, you can throw the application away. If you don’t know if you’re registered, please check the Secretary of State website to see if you are a registered voter at votetexas.gov. If you receive an application addressed to someone that is no longer at that address, there is no need for you to do anything other than dispose of the unsolicited material. Several of these groups have very old lists of registered voters.

• Scam alert: In the weeks before every election, unsolicited phone calls, letters and frontdoor offers proliferate asking you to update or “confirm” your voter registration. This is an old ruse to collect personal and financial information such as credit card numbers for identity theft. The truth: People can’t register over the phone in Texas (or in most other areas). We need their actual signature, and we require only the last digits of a SSN or a DL on an official registration form.

Applications for ballot by mail If you are over 65 or disabled you are eligible to vote by mail. The last day for my office to receive these applications is February 23, 2024. Political parties will start a mass campaign to mail all registered voters over the age of 65 an application even if it was not requested. If you have already sent in your application or do not want to vote by mail, again please dispose of the unsolicited material. If you want to vote by mail and you get an application – fill it out and send it in. Please do not fill out multiple applications. If you don’t happen to get the application automatically sent to you, call the office to have it sent.

• Scam alert: Applications for ballot by mail must be sent directly to your local county election office at 1117 Travis Street, Columbus, TX 788934. If there is a different mailing address on an unsolicited application do not fill it out and be prepared to turn over the false document.

I have been told there are several campaign organizations planning on Canvassing (going door to door) in Texas. Colorado County may or may not have the onslaught of visitors, but I want our community to beware and understand if someone does come to your door that legitimate canvassers will leave behind literature, or donation and registration forms that you can mail. Real pollsters won’t delve deeper than your opinions of candidates and issues.

• Scam alert: If someone comes to your door and introduces themselves from a political organization never provide your Social Security number, income level, birth date or hometown. It’s all useful info for identity thieves. Someone is asking for this information is likely not legitimate, and you will need to notify your local law enforcement agency.

The County wants everyone to exercise their right to vote but take caution. For those with questions, contact the Elections Office at 979-732-6860.