Local election officials helping state improve voter forms
** Election forms focus group to meet in Austin **
April 15, 2009
512/ 463-5770
Secretary Andrade addresses members of the
Election Forms Focus Group.
AUSTIN – Election officials from 10 counties are participating in a new initiative established by Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade to improve key forms used by voters, candidates and local officials during the election process. Participating counties include: Bexar, Brazoria, Denton, El Paso, Hidalgo, Montgomery, Potter, Smith, Tarrant and Travis County.
Hundreds of forms are used before, during and after elections to accomplish such tasks as registering to vote, obtaining a ballot by mail, filing for a place on the ballot and completing various affidavits at the polling place, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
“Our goal is to ensure these forms are user-friendly to citizens, poll workers and other election officials,” said Andrade. “County election officials are extremely valuable in this effort since they have expertise in processing the forms and work directly with citizens and candidates that fill out these forms.”
On April 15, the group evaluated the wording and design of the first group of forms to be reviewed and made recommendations to improve readability and comprehension. They also evaluated if any forms are duplicative and could be combined or eliminated.
The Secretary of State’s Office plans to have some of the new forms available for the November election.
“Working with local election officials, we will continue to ensure elections in Texas remain fair, credible and something of which all Texans can be proud,” Andrade said.