What to do if you have voting issues at the polls in the...

Throughout the early voting period, Texans reported problems at the polls. With that in mind, we've rounded up the all the voting issues that happened during the early vote period and what to do if you encounter them when you try to cast your ballot.

Straight-ticket votes have changed

What happened:

Voters across the state complained to election officials that voting machines were changing their votes when they tried to cast a straight ticket ballot. The problem has been reported most by voters in counties, including Harris and Travis, that use the Hart eSlate voting machines that feature a selection wheel and an "Enter" button. The Secretary of State's office calls the problem a user error and advised voters to make sure they are not spinning the wheel and hitting the "Enter" button at the same time. State officials also urged voters to check over their ballots before submitting them.

What to do:

The Secretary of State's office has instructed counties to post signs up in polling places reminding voters to check their ballots over before they submit them. As of Wednesday, there were multiple reports of signage missing in many polling places.

To make sure your vote is cast correctly, either do not choose a straight ticket ballot or make sure you check your ballot before submitting it to ensure your choices are accurate.

VOTER GUIDE: Study the issues, hear from the candidates, and research what's on your ballot

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Voter intimidation

What happened:

Election officials in Dallas, Mesquite and Richardson counties reported complaints of voter intimidation at early vote polling places. People were screaming at those walking to the polling place to cast their ballots. In Mesquite County, a partisan poll watcher asked voters about their politics and looked over their shoulders as they tried to cast ballots. The poll watcher was removed by the Mesquite Police Department after refusing to leave.

What to do:

Talk to the election judge if electioneering is happening within 100 feet of a polling location. People cannot tell you who to vote for or hand out political literature within that perimeter. If people are harassing those going to the polls or making anyone feel unsafe outside the 100-feet perimeter, you can call the local police department for assistance. But electioneering is allowed outside of that 100-feet perimeter.

Poll watchers are not allowed to ask you who you're voting for or see which candidates are receiving your vote. If a poll watcher is doing that, you can report it to a poll worker or the election judge.

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Electioneering issues

What happened:

In Harris County, election officials sent out instructions to poll workers to look out for electioneering from three progressive groups. The county reversed those instructions once the Houston Chronicle asked about it.

In the city of Houston, firefighters and their supporters advocated for Proposition B, which would grant them pay "parity" with police, while wearing union T-shirts. Some election judges asked those wearing the yellow shirts to turn them inside out. Other groups of firefighters were asked to get outside the 100-foot electioneering barrier.

What to do:

Do not wear political clothing or take political signs or literature to the polls. You'll be turned away from the polling place or be asked to change clothing in order to vote. If you're unsure if it's political, play it safe and don't wear it.

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Volunteer translators kicked out

What happened:

At a Harris County polling place, a election judge told volunteer Korean translators to stay behind the 100-foot perimeter. The election judge said the volunteers were loitering by going up to voters in line and asking if they needed translation services.

When the volunteers protested, the election judge called sheriff's deputies to remove them.

What to do:

If you need translation services, bring the person with you to the polling place. If you would like to volunteer translations services, contact county election officials. If you want to provide assistance to those who need it at the polls, offer the assistance outside of the 100-foot perimeter, just to be sure.

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Polling places on college campuses

What happened:

Students at Prairie View A&M and Texas State pushed their county election officials to either extend polling hours during early voting or have an early voting location on campus. Rice University and the University of Houston did not have early voting locations on campus either.

At Prairie View, students successfully lobbied election officials so they could cast a ballot without having to file a change of address form first. The campus has one mail box for all students on campus. Instructions to students on how to register properly had changed about a month before Election Day. The county's accommodation allows the 1,000-plus students to cast their ballots like everyone else.

What to do:

Most major college campuses in Texas, including Prairie View A&M and Texas State have Election Day polling places. If you're a college student, make sure you have a valid ID with an address that matches your registration address. If that's not possible, be prepared to fill out a provisional ballot so your vote will be counted.

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Long lines

What happened:

Turnout was up all across Texas during the early voting period. The increased interest led to long lines at many polling places. Expect a similar situation in the final days of early voting and on Election Day, particularly at popular polling places.

What to do:

Check your county's election page for the location and hours of your polling place. Polling places are typically busiest during rush hours and lunch time. Make sure to leave yourself extra time so you can vote if there are lines.

The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News are participating in Electionland, a ProPublica project that will cover access to the ballot and problems that prevent people from exercising their right to vote during the 2018 election. This story is part of that project.

You can help us by signing up now. Text VOTE to 81380. You can also WhatsApp at us at +1 850 909-8683 or reach us through Facebook Messenger here: http://m.me/electionland

matt.dempsey@chron.com

Twitter.com/mizzousundevil