HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reminded residents of where they can vote during Election Day and addressed the court’s decision to reject another Republican effort to invalidate 127,000 votes in Houston.
Hidalgo visited BBVA Stadium, which will be a voting location on Tuesday, to provide voters information on new voting options that will be available in Harris County. She was joined by Nika Hansen, from the Houston Dynamo, where they discussed the new polling locations and reminding residents to cast their ballot.
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“Today’s decision only tells us and reminds us of what we knew, that drive-thru voting is safe, convenient, secure, that it’s beyond comprehension that anyone would seek to invalidate 127,000 votes, and that the law is on our side,” Hidalgo said.
She said the county is expecting an appeal and will plan on fighting it.
READ: Federal judge rules against effort to toss 127,000 drive-thru votes in Harris County
Hidalgo emphasized the importance of voting and how every vote counts, no matter who you vote for.
“I want folks to remember that those seeking to suppress the votes and the voices of our citizens have no place in our democracy, and that will fight zealously to defend against any attempts for that to happen,” she said.
The county judge said her message to residents in Harris County is simple -- go vote, saying now is the time to participate and have their voices heard. She reminded residents that there will be a record number of voting locations where people can vote anywhere on Election Day.
“Election Day is tomorrow," Hidalgo said. "We’re just blown away by the 1.4 million people that have already participated. That said, there (are) still a million people who have yet to turn out. And I’m looking at you if you’re one of those million voters. Tomorrow is your day. And I want to tell you that you can cast your vote conveniently faithfully and securely.”
For those who voted by mail or dropping off their ballot, Hidalgo said those voters will be able to track their ballot online and those who plan on voting in-person can track the line at different voting locations so that they’re not waiting in a long line. (This information can be found by clicking the link here.)
She also wanted to assure voters that the county has taken all safety precautions and protocols to protect voters from the spread of the coronavirus.
“You should rest easy knowing, we’re protecting you from COVID at all our locations," Hidalgo said. "We’ve got very careful parameters that Isabel and Claire Collins have been working very hard to implement, to make sure that folks are spaced apart, that there (are) finger covers that there (are) disinfectant wipes that folks feel safe and are safe when they go to participate, even in the time of COVID.”
Hansen added that polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., saying that as long as you’re in line by 7 p.m., no matter how long that line is, you will be able to vote.