HOUSTON – With Election Day just a week away, there’s a new task force in Harris County to make sure the process is safe and fair.
The election security task force consists of representatives from the offices of the county attorney, county clerk, district attorney and constable for precinct one all working together to investigate any voting-related complaints.
“This year, because of the possibility of disruption or violence, we’re ahead of the curve instead of behind it,” said Special Assistant Harris County Attorney Terence O’Rourke.
This is the first time the county has used a panel like this, he said. Work officially began on Oct. 13, the first day of early voting, but planning started weeks before.
“The election security task force has had fewer than 20 real cases that require law enforcement investigation and these are under review right now,” O’Rourke said.
He wouldn’t share details about the nature of the cases just yet but said some of them have already been closed.
“We have received complaints and they are under review but there’s nothing that is extraordinary,” O’Rourke said.
The group eventually plans to release a public report with summaries of the cases and the responses.
“We’re doing everything we can, we’re doing things beyond what we’ve normally done to make voting safe,” O’Rourke said.
Any real-time disruption requiring intervention by law enforcement should be reported to 713-755-7628. Other election irregularities or violations should be reported to 713-755-6965.