Some counties ready to get rid of voting records system

Due to a number of problems that have already been reported with early voting, several counties are ready to get rid of the voting records system used in Texas because it is too flawed. The system, TEAM, began operating in January in order to comply with federal regulations on centralizing voting information across the state. Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt said that the new database is "causing statewide voting problems" and that "it's a bad technology system coming home to roost."

So far, the biggest problem has been with registered voters not showing up in the system. Included in the disenfranchised was Prairie View Mayor Frank Jackson. Besides this, registration numbers for voters registered before Jan. 1 were changed and the old numbers erased from the system, which caused confusion when the computer couldn't recognize old numbers. Some areas had problems printing new voter registration cards. Three counties have already withdrawn from the system, and they may decide to spend extra money for their own systems.

Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams has said that his office will review the system after the May 12 election and has apologized to counties using the system for the inconveniences. Austin software company Hart InterCivic and IBM, the contractor for the system, are working on fixing the problems. Hart said in a statement that they are "committed to work towards an efficient, cost-effective voter registration system for Texas that complies with federal law."

Meanwhile, KUHF reports that some voters might have to visit several polling places on May 12 if they want to vote in every election. To find out if this affects you, visit the Harris County Tax Office Homepage.