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Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth says manager’s office is prepared and confident ahead of presidential election
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Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth says manager’s office is prepared and confident ahead of presidential election

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As we approach the final days before the presidential election, the focus is on Harris County. As the state’s largest county, Harris County has dealt with Election Day issues that have sparked criticism and big changes.

There will be state and federal observers in Harris County on Election Day due to its size and a number of past issues, putting additional pressure on the county clerk to hold a smooth and accurate election.

There have been discrepancies in vote counting, delays and paper shortages, as well as resignations and dismissals from the elections administrator’s office, which the legislature dissolved.

The election in Harris County has been complicated and highly scrutinized, but now County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said she is working to build trust and stability.

“One of the first things we did was reach out to the Secretary of State to find out the things we need to address and invite him to participate. To me, there was nothing to hide,” Hudspeth said.

His office has been planning for the presidential election for the past eight to 12 months. It has been hiring more poll workers, doing more technology training and preparing for what Election Day may bring.

RELATED: Extended early voting hours at Harris County polling places on Halloween

In mid-September, Hudspeth allowed Eyewitness News cameras to capture state-required logic and accuracy tests, where Democratic and Republican volunteers made sure voting equipment was working properly.

Hudspeth said it was a way to combat misinformation that can lead to denialism.

“I think I’m more worried about what happens after Election Day than on Election Day, right? There’s always a winner and a loser in elections, and I’m worried about the acceptance of whatever the results are. What I want to say to voters is, ‘Make no mistake and check the source,'” Hudspeth said.

Top Republican leaders in Texas, such as Gov. Greg Abbott, have been using social media to spread warnings about ineligible or even illegal voters who voted in November.

When asked about the chances of that happening in Harris County, Hudspeth said, “It’s me, along with my office, who is looking at every intricate part of the process. I can’t speak for political campaigns. Can’t”. “I don’t talk about what happens outside, but what I can say is that we follow the code.”

Hudspeth said a bigger focus is on voter education and access.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, less than 46% of registered voters voted in 2022.

About 20% of the voting-age population was not registered. To encourage participation, the county clerk’s office launched voter participation campaigns and formed community teams.

“Harris County has come a long way, even despite distractions and political efforts to somehow minimize access,” Hudspeth said.

Hudspeth said he is confident his team is prepared for a strong turnout and a smooth, safe election on Nov. 5 in Harris County.

For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, unknown and instagram.

SEE MORE: Harris County Officials Announce 2 Polling Place Changes After Vote Center Technical Issues

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