HOUSTON — It’s a new week of early voting, but the same old complaints from some straight-party voters are cropping up. They claim candidates from other parties are somehow getting their votes.
“It’s not easy to do,” said Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart. “You have to be doing it very fast and rapidly to where it will actually change.”
Stanart eventually got a straight-party ballot to end up with someone from a different party on it on a demonstration machine.
“It gives you a warning if you change the straight-party vote,” Stanart said.
Some voters have complained about this issue on social media and to KHOU since the start of early voting. Some said their votes went to Ted Cruz in the senate race when they actually selected straight-party Democrat.
“I want to remove your fear and let you know that you can have total confidence that our voting machines are exactly doing what you tell it to do,” Stanart said.
Stanart considers this a good reminder to take your time when voting. Use only one hand and remember there’s always a chance to review every selection before hitting the “cast ballot” button. Your ballot isn’t official until you see a waving electronic flag on the screen.
We spoke with some voters outside a polling place who admitted to taking more time in order to avoid potential problems.
“All the marks were in the right place,” one voter said.
“I’m as confident in my vote as the machine said,” said another. “I hope so.”
The Texas Secretary of State officially attributes this straight-party issue to ”user error.” Additionally, officials said people working in the polling places can always help you before you cast a ballot.