How to report voting issues, intimidation in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Millions of Texans will vote in the Nov. 5 general election. In addition to the top-of-the-ticket presidential race, Texans will also choose who will represent the state in the U.S. Senate, as well as several statewide and local races.

If you experience voter intimidation or issues voting, you can reach out to KXAN News via our Report!t tip line -- we are looking through tips on an individual basis. There are also official channels you can report those concerns to.

Who do I report voting issues to?

If you believe something suspicious or illegal has occurred: 

• At the polls: Report immediately to the presiding election judge at the polling location
• Report to the county the issue occurred in
• File a report with the Secretary of State at 800-252-VOTE (8683) or file a report online here https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/pol-sub/25-4f.pdf

If you have questions about the legality of an action, you can reach out to: 

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) 

"That's nationwide, and that is the nonpartisan election protection hotline. I like to joke that there are lawyers on the other end who will yell at people for you. But actually, really, it's just people who really know what they're talking about who can answer those kinds of questions," explained Valerie DeBill, Vice President of Voters Service at the League of Women Voters Austin Area.

Additionally, the Texas Republican Party has an election integrity hotline at (512)553-1080 or you can email elections@texasgop.org.

What is voter intimidation?

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), federal law says that "no person…shall intimidate, threaten, coerce…any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of [that] person to vote or to vote as he may choose."

The ACLU lists examples of intimidation as:

• aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to vote, in a manner intended to interfere with the voters’ rights
• falsely presenting oneself as an elections official
• spreading false information about voter requirements, such as an ability to speak English

Check here for more information about the November 2024 general election