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Tag: domestic violence awareness month

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Op-eds

US Court Ruling response

RESPONSE

Local Domestic Violence Agencies stand united in outrage at the recent ruling on February 2, 2023, by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals declaring a law that restricts those with domestic violence restraining and protective orders from owning firearms unconstitutional. An Nisa, Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence, Bay Area Turning Point, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, DAYA, Family Ties, Family Time, Fresh Spirit Wellness, The Empowered Survivor, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Houston Area Women’s Center, and Northwest Assistance Ministries Family Violence Program stand together in opposition of a ruling that has devastating and deadly consequences for those suffering the trauma of intimate partner violence.

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence’s Honoring Texas Victims report, in 2021 204 Texans were killed by their intimate partner, 46 in Harris County alone. Of the 46 killed in Harris County, 35 or 76% were killed by a firearm, and over 50% of those killed were black women. Additionally, 34% of the offenders were prohibited from possessing a firearm under Texas law and 40% were prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. The number one predictor of a domestic violence homicide is the threat of homicide and the ownership of a firearm. An 11 city study found “…increased risk of intimate partner femicide included perpetrator’s access to a gun and previous threat with a weapon” (Campbell, 2003). Yet three judges – in their infinite wisdom – found it unconstitutional to protect women. Aren’t laws intended to err on the side of protecting people rather than harming them? For the record, in Texas, protective orders are civil legal lawsuits that are granted when domestic violence has occurred and there is a strong likelihood that it will continue. Protective orders help create boundaries of safety for a survivor by restricting harm doers from going to survivors’ homes, workplaces, and/or schools while also strictly forbidding the person from communicating in a threatening or harassing manner. These orders can be granted for any amount of time, and prior to this decision, required the surrender of a firearm for the duration of the order.

This court ruling is one more devastating decision, especially for survivors in Texas, that creates greater challenges for them to become safer. We know that firearms are the number one method of homicide for victims of intimate partner violence and rulings like this only send the message that the safety of women is not a priority. As Harris County continues to see the highest number of domestic violence related fatalities in the state of Texas, it is incumbent upon us all to ensure access to services and protections including the recognition that underserved communities of color experience the highest rates of homicides and the lowest rates of accessing formal services for protections.

One of the strongest protections has been the requirement of surrendering firearms when there is a protective order in place. This law has SAVED lives even as a voluntary program. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right – a voluntary gun surrender program. Currently, in Harris County, if a protective order is granted against a harm doer who owns a gun, they are offered a way to voluntarily surrender it through Harris County’s Safe Surrender Program. Thanks to the laxed and conflicting laws about gun ownership in Texas, actually requiring someone to surrender it with some type of investigation, enforcement and/or accountability does not happen. While Harris County’s Safe Surrender Program is not perfect, it is our best attempt at giving an alternative in adhering to the mandate to surrender firearms when a protective order is granted. It is a step towards increasing safety for survivors. Now even this small step in progress feels insignificant as this court decision strips survivors of more and more protections that should be due to them under the law.

Countless numbers of women have relayed stories to advocates in our community about the threats they received to be shot and killed, and for many women, this threat is made real. In 2022 our community experienced extremely high rates of deadly intimate partner violence and ever-increasing felony level assaults. No one can watch the news on a nightly basis without hearing about another tragic death. Families are suffering and front-line workers are exhausted and cannot keep up with the need. Our community should never have to face losing – a neighbor, a family member, a friend, a Houstonian – due to intimate partner violence. And…now this court ruling supporting the ownership of firearms when there is a protective order – UNACCEPTABLE.

Along with the highest number of homicides, Harris County continues to see the highest turn away rate for emergency shelter, a housing waitlist over 900 families deep, and long wait lists for counseling and therapeutic services. One domestic violence homicide can cost a community close to 15 million dollars (DeLIsis et al., 2010). This cost cannot even begin to account for the loss of a mother to her children, or a family member. Yet – we can put our priority on ensuring that the right to bear firearms is more important than the right to be SAFE.

We will not be quiet, we will not let go, we will unite our voices of outrage and the need to support laws that SAVE lives, not destroy them. Our leaders and decision makers need to hear us and make change to eradicate the laws that support the senseless death of survivors at the hands of a would be loved one. There is still much work to be done and we will not stop advocating for protection for victims and survivors that are affected by the lack of laws and protections from firearms.
NO MORE

NNEDV Statement Regarding United States v. Rahimi

BWJP Reacts to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s Disappointing Ruling Undermining Federal Firearms Prohibitions for Persons Who Have Committed Acts of Domestic Violence – BWJP

https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/Call-to-Action-Gun-Violence-Final.pdf

Categories
DVAM Op-eds

Resolutions for 2023

In 2022 our community experienced extremely high rates of deadly intimate partner violence and ever-increasing felony level assaults. No one can watch the news on a nightly basis without hearing about another tragic death. Families are suffering and front-line workers are exhausted and cannot keep up with the need. Our community should never have to face losing a member due to intimate partner violence. As we look ahead to 2023, we ask you to join us in imagining our community without any intimate partner homicides.

There is a very long history of resolution making that begins on the very first day of the new year. Many reflect on the past year’s deeds and resolve to do better by creating positive change in the year ahead. If we could collectively look to the new year and imagine a safer community for families, what resolutions should WE make?

Join us in setting an intention for ending intimate partner deaths – what resolutions need to be made in our community? What would it take for our community to do better? Let’s resolve not one more death…

Adding your resolution by clicking the button on the right will add it to our website! 

Click here to add your resolution!

This is what our community said:

Mental health awareness at worksites that have a high number of employees without employer resources like health insurance. For example, refinery workers, that work long hours.

More affordable housing.

Competitive pay for advocates.

The resolution I would make is to continue sharing my story of overcoming domestic violence to inspire and encourage others to do the same!

I think it would take our community re-framing our mindset from domestic violence being a family issue to domestic violence is a community issue. And with our entire community taking a stance, we create a real possibility of living in a world free of domestic violence.

Funding to help those experiencing partner violence. 

Better communication between law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.

More funding for rehabilitation and re entry programs for those facing domestic violence charges.

More funding for preventative and community education – it is a community problem.

To shine a light on abusive behavior and resolve to not allow family or friends to minimize the damage of IPV with jokes or other minimizing behaviors.

I resolve to be a safe person for friends and family that are experiencing IPV in their lives.

I resolve to be an open door and answering questions a friend or family member has concerning the dynamics of intimate partner violence – no wrong questions.

 I resolve to provide age-appropriate education and information to younger family and friends about the dynamics of IPV and how be in a healthy relationship.

Focus on rehabilitating offenders who typically victimize many and are often trauma survivors as well.

Treat others like you want others to treat you. (Simple yet difficult)

Media campaigns to bring education and awareness of the issue without blaming the victims, as well as providing essential resources to the community via funding for expansion of high risk programs.

About the Author

Executive Director of HCDVCC,

Barbie Brashear

Categories
DVAM Op-eds

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

For over 40 years our nation has observed national domestic violence awareness month in October. During these years the movement has accomplished many milestones, including improved laws and legislation, dedicated annual funding, the expansion of services across the nation, the adoption of protocols and tools to assess for lethality and improve safety planning, the implementation of a national domestic violence hotline, and so much more. So…I am wondering how and why there is neglect in giving attention and resources to addressing the root of the problem – what is causing the violence in the first place? There are so many factors that contribute to the perpetuation of intimate partner violence, and as someone who has offered training on the myths and facts of IPV, I am ever reminded that these myths are so powerful that they often control the narrative.

One of the first myths I learned to debunk was that violence is normal and just happens – it is not normal and there is choice in using tactics to attain power and control in a relationship. Might our community also have choice in adopting core values that demand and require the prevention of intimate partner violence? Might we require the adoption of measures that address the root cause and focus on learning what it means to have a healthy relationship? Might we prioritize and FUND interventions that address toxic stress and trauma in childhood, economic disparity and distress, gender based inequity, patriarchal control of women’s bodies and decisions – just to name a few? Might we increase and right size resources and funding to service providers so that they do not have to have waitlists or turn away those in need, as well as to law enforcement and prosecutors to give the dedicated time and attention required for fully addressing the criminal justice system needs of these cases? Might we prioritize financial resources to those fleeing – so that they need not flee at all -but be safe and housed as they want and choose? Might we prioritize resources for interventions that are devised to address those who are using violence in their relationships? In Harris County we have seen a tremendous and overwhelming increase in domestic violence felonies and homicides over the past two years, and it continues to grow. Every day a woman is severely injured or killed by an intimate partner. How is this OK?

I have the honor of being part of meetings on a regular basis with people in our community who have dedicated their lives to service. This includes police officers, prosecutors, social workers, and community advocates. Recently one meeting allowed for the sharing of the complete mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion being experienced – leading to questions of how are we really making a difference? Where are the resources that we need to really make a difference? Why do our community leaders not listen to what is truly needed? WE ARE TIRED! Tired of doing this really difficult work and still seeing families devastated, tired of women killed, tired of families being uprooted and homeless, tired of people being unable to access a service or leaving a message hoping someone will call them back, tired of people giving up hope, TIRED. This is UNACCEPTABLE! This month I am reflecting on the many stories of women who have used every ounce of MOXIE to survive, to get through another day, to find a way to accept hope and healing, to find their voice in anyway possible. I am also reflecting on the many people in service, those who work tireless, and thanklessly to try to improve safety and prevent homicides. The work is hard, the days are long, the thanks are few – AND – the need is GREAT, and the ability to effect change is possible – HOPE IS REAL. My sincerest thanks and gratitude for the many that continue this work – THANK YOU!

About the Author

Executive Director of HCDVCC,

Barbie Brashear

Categories
Community Share Op-eds Sexual Assault

Harris County Domestic Violence Partners are Working Together

“Law enforcement efforts alone will not sufficiently address the symptoms of crime. We are faced with a public health crisis, and it will require all of us, working together to overcome it.

This is a public health crisis and as a City, we will and must address the crisis through law enforcement, public health practitioners and community partners working together.

NO ONE CAN ESCAPE ACCOUNTABLILITY.

With the collaboration of all stakeholders, including business owners, faith-based leaders, and organizations that work with those experiencing family violence and mental illness, I am confident that we will reduce violence and emerge as One Resilient City-One Unified City-One Safe Houston.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner (February 2, 2022)

Harris County Domestic Violence Partners are Working Together

Harris County has experienced an increase in the severity of violence in domestic violence cases and a spike in domestic violence murders over the last few years. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges with deep impacts to safety and wellness to Harris County residents, especially those impacted by domestic violence. “I am grateful to ALL the community partners, and law enforcement agencies, for working together with the Houston Police Department’s Major Assaults & Family Violence Division, Family Violence Unit allowing us to continue to do everything we can to make sure Houstonians are safe. I want to thank the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) the Harris County District Attorney’s Office- Domestic Violence Division (HCDA-DVD) and Aid to Victims of Abuse (AVDA) to name a few, who have worked tirelessly during this crisis.” Lt. Kira Webster, Major Assaults and Family Violence Division, Family Violence Unit.

HCDVCC began hosting Family Violence Investigators Alliance Meeting in 2013. The Investigators Alliance was a recommendation that came out of the Community Safety Assessment of Law Enforcement Services in Harris County that HCDVCC conducted in 2011-2012. This allowed Family Violence Investigators from across the County to meet on a quarterly basis with each other and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As a result of the relationships formed at the Alliance and to provide a coordinated community response to domestic violence during the pandemic, leadership from HCDVCC, HCDA-DVD and the Family Violence Units from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston and Pasadena Police Departments began weekly ZOOM meetings. The weekly meetings allowed for real time conversations related to the isolating parents and children in their homes, while separating potential victims from the network of friends, neighbors, teachers, and other individuals capable of reporting the signs of abuse and helping those at risk escape a dangerous environment. Our conversations confirmed with crime analysis that the pandemic isolating impacts increased the risk and severity of the injury for domestic violence victims. In the early days of the pandemic, the meetings produced a poster campaign to outreach in areas of town with a high rate of domestic violence. These posters were placed in apartment complexes, grocery, and convenience stores in those areas with information on how to get help. These weekly meetings continue today and not only have been beneficial in discussing cases, trends and gaps but have become almost a support group for those who attend.

Harris County is working on prevention of violence and access to essential services, such as justice and policing, social services, helplines and coordination of these services, to provide support to those who experience and witness violence.

Domestic violence is one of the most common crimes to which law enforcement respond; yet it is often misunderstood. By understanding what domestic violence is, what best practices are when responding, and what resources exist to support their work, law enforcement can build the skills, capacity, and comfort to address these crimes and those involved with expertise and care.

One of the priorities, recently identified at the weekly meetings, was the need for updated and on-going training for investigators. On May 25th, HCDVCC partnered with AVDA to provide an 8-hour Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Course #3901 in person training for investigators from HPD, HCSO, PPD HCDA and several Constable’s Offices on Domestic Violence. The topics covered the dynamics of intimate partner violence with an emphasis on common victim and perpetrator experiences and behaviors; sexual assault, stalking, animal abuse, and strangulation in the context of intimate partner violence; protective order enforcement and violations protocols; immigration law and the impact of traumatic events and complexities of the manifestation of trauma. Overall, the investigators provided positive feedback regarding the training with one investigator stating, “Training was excellent in explaining multiple versions of domestic violence and how it related to the entire community-very informative in all areas.”

We are grateful that we can continue to have successful collaborations that provide a coordinated community response to address the ongoing crisis of domestic violence in Harris County.

About the Authors

Pic of Deputy Director Amy Smith
Amy Smith
Senior Director of Communications & Operations,
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

Lieutenant Kira Webster
Houston Police Department
Major Assaults & Family Violence Division
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Member- Intimate Partner Death Review; Harris County High Risk Team; Harris County Policy Working Group; Harris County Law Enforcement Weekly Check-In & Harris County Strangulation Task Force

Categories
Community Share Op-eds Sexual Assault

April National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2022

“On a journey to figure out what I am called to do with the story that has become my family’s story. One thing I know is that I must play my part to bring change.”

Founder of Project Beloved – Tracy Matheson – Molly Jane’s Momma.

Tracy Matheson founded Project Beloved in what she often refers to the aftermath of what she calls “a parent’s worst nightmare.” On April 10, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas; Molly Matheson at 22 years old had not reported for work concerned Tracy went to Molly’s apartment to discover Molly had been raped, strangled and murdered. Less than two weeks later, in Plano, Texas, Megan Getrum who had been hiking at the Nature Preserve body was discovered deceased in Lake Ray Hubbard. Kimbro has a history of sexual violence and strangulation with charges pending from 2014; he was indicted on one charge of aggravated sexual assault in 2017 related to that case. Authorities charged Kimbro with capital murder for killing Molly.

Serial Killer/Rapist Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole – Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty.

Update: On March 18, 2022: Reginald Kimbro pleaded guilty to the 2017 killings of Molly Matheson of Fort Worth and Megan Getrum of Plano as well as three sexual assaults in Collin County from 2012 to 2014 and an aggravated sexual assault in Cameron County. All four victims described being drugged, strangled and raped. All four women were prepared to testify against Kimbro at trial.

Kimbro, 28, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the rape and murder of Molly Jane Matheson. Molly and Reginald dated in college but not been in a relationship for years. Kimbro was also sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the rape and murder of 36-year-old Megan Getrum — she was a stranger to him. Kimbro was sentenced to 20 years in the Plano case, life in the South Padre case, 20 years in the Allen case and 20 years in the McKinney case.

Molly Jane’s Law creates statewide database to track repeat sex offenders in Texas.
In 2019, David and Tracy Matheson pushed to get Molly Jane’s Law passed in the Texas Legislature. It requires law enforcement to input suspect information into a national database.

May 29, 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 3106, and it became known as Molly Jane’s Law in the state of Texas, effective September 1, 2019. Molly Jane’s Law allows law enforcement agencies in Texas to communicate with one another through the use of ViCAP, which is administered by the FBI.

Working Together – We need everyone if we are going to make a difference

Law enforcement alone cannot provide all the needed support and resources to victim/survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence; it takes partnerships

HPD is proud to partner with Molly Jane’s Momma; Tracy Matheson, founder of Project Beloved a non-profit organization to install soft interview rooms for the investigations of sexual assault and domestic violence.

March 14, 2022, Monday of spring break-Tracy and her son Max installed Project Beloved Soft Interview Room #42 at our HPD Family Violence Unit to facilitate a trauma informed response funded by #HEBHelpingHere.

Project Beloved put so much care into creating a comfortable space, which includes:

  • Comfortable chairs that swivel-movement can be soothing for a survivor
  • Alternate light sources to use instead of, or in addition to, overhead lighting
  • A diffuser with lavender essential oil as a calming scent if survivor would like
  • A weighted blanket and a soft, cozy blanket (washable)
  • Stress balls to give the survivor something to hold in their hands to help relax
  • Photographic art on the walls, taken by Megan

The soft interview room will have the single purpose of providing a safe and comfortable place for survivors to share their experiences of abuse and assault.

HPD shares Project Beloved’s vision, “A world where survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are heard and believed, perpetrators are prosecuted and justice is service.”

We need everyone if we are going to change the conversation about sexual assault and domestic violence.

To watch a powerful and moving Victim Impact Statement Molly Jane’s mother Tracy Matheson gave at the defendant’s sentencing click on the link:

Each life lost, and their families-matter-they continue to be remembered, and that they contribute to the demand for change

Molly Jane Matheson
May 18, 1994 – April 10, 2017

Project Beloved was founded to bring light, Molly Jane’s light, to the darkness which followed after her rape and murder.

Megan Gutrum September 12, 1980 – April 15, 2017 Project Beloved honors the legacy of Megan Getrum and her spirt of adventure as revealed in the photographs on the walls.

About the Author

Lieutenant Kira Webster
Houston Police Department
Major Assaults & Family Violence Division
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Member- Intimate Partner Death Review; Harris County High Risk Team; Harris County Policy Working Group; Harris County Law Enforcement Weekly Check-In & Harris County Strangulation Task Force

Categories
Black History Month Community Share Legacies Op-eds

Sharing is Empowering

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Editor’s Note:

Last week I facilitated a training and some of my key takeaways were:

100% were not aware of who the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating was.

100% were not able to identify the local domestic/sexual violence programs available to survivors.

99% had never heard of Adverse Child Experiences.

50% were using the Danger Assessment, however, did not know it was called a Danger Assessment or the entire purpose of completing the assessment with a survivor.

Over the years there are other lessons I have learned from the audiences that I train, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, victim service advocates, educators, and other members of the coordinated community response model. These lessons reinforce the importance of ongoing training and communication. Yes, I also have learned and continue to learn new information, as I often say to myself- I cannot believe I did not know that.

Here is a challenge, periodically assess your organization and especially your direct services teams on their basic knowledge regarding domestic/sexual violence, do they know why they do the things they do, and the resources available to assist survivors. You can do this through assessments, games, one on ones, check-ins, etc.

Why do this? Because there are women, children, and men depending on our level of knowledge and ability to find out the information so they can be safer and healthier.

Collaboration includes providing information about our work to other members of the coordinated community response team so that we can identify gaps and fill them. Is your organization coordinating training and information sessions with other programs such as the local crisis center hosting an information session with Child Protective Services to share your services and to learn more about how cases are handled or law enforcement hosting community conversations and inviting other victim service programs to share how the domestic violence/sexual violence case is handled and hearing from the other agencies about how client experiences have been with law enforcement?

What’s in your toolbox? Let’s share so everyone is in the loop.

About the Author

HCDVCC Director of Training,
Thecia Jenkins

Categories
Black History Month Community Share Legacies Op-eds

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Editor’s Note:

About fifteen years ago I began facilitating training on cultural competence as a contract trainer for Texas Council on Family Violence, it was a great opportunity to travel, share and learn throughout the state of Texas with crisis centers, law enforcement and other social service programs.

I have witnessed the evolution of this movement as the conversations have grown and are producing change in how this work is being done. Have we arrived yet, no, however change is happening.

One of those changes is looking at who is leading the work. There are men who are now a the leadership table and as we observe Black History Month; there are women of color (BIPOC) that are at the leadership table. This week help the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council celebrate the newest Chief Executive Officer, Brenda Sykes of Bay Area Turning Point; she is the agency’s first Black CEO.

Below is an interview with Brenda Sykes . . .

How domestic/sexual violence organizations can benefit when lead by individuals from underserved communities?

Within the next 20-30 years, Harris County’s demographics majority will be People of Color (POC). The data alone reflects the need to address various disparities ranging from access to education up to domestic violence and sexual assault services. Education of and lack of access to services relative to Domestic/sexual violence for POC looks drastically different from non-POC. POC view law enforcement, experiences of the criminal justice system, and the lack of POC in leadership roles as factors that prevent seeking services. Leaders in this movement who are POC can elevate the voices of the most underserved of an already uniquely underserved population. I am a black woman who addresses the need of ALL survivors; I am in a unique position to make a change at a local, regional, and state level as Advocates of Color and survivors of Color have a vocal, informed, and ally in elevating their needs. Leading a DV/SA organization connects my team and me to community leaders and stakeholders to influence change. And I am here for it!

Why are allies important?

Allies are essential assets in this work, as it cannot be effectively done without a united effort. Working in silos is not beneficial to anyone, especially those in need of services. Allyship allows conversations and promotes healing.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope my legacy will be . . . To leave Bay Area Turning Point in a better position to serve those in need due to changes I, along with my peers and my team, have made so that my immediate area and beyond are greater for those contributions.

Thank you, Brenda đź’ś

About the Author

HCDVCC Director of Training,
Thecia Jenkins

Categories
Community Share Op-eds

Use Your Voice Through Voting

Use Your Voice Through Voting

Thank you Dr. Toby Myers (Board Member and Domestic Violence Expert) for sharing this important information on using the Mail-In Ballot

Editor’s Note:

The data is clear. People who receive mail-in ballots vote at a substantially higher rate than people who go to the polls in person. That’s why this information is so important. Please review the info below and take the appropriate action for yourself. AND PLEASE share this info with others who typically vote by mail, especially if they are not likely to have a computer or printer.

I hope there will be more public service announcements about these changes in the future, but we can’t afford a “wait and see” attitude. People who have routinely received an application for their mail-in ballot in the mail might not realize that the application didn’t arrive. And by the time they realize they don’t have a mail-in ballot it might be too late to apply for and receive one.

1. The process for obtaining and filing an Application for a Mail-in Ballot has changed.

If you or someone you know votes by mail, there are some important changes in the process. People who are unaware of these changes may end up being unable to vote by mail. For some, that will make them unable to vote at all.

Senate Bill 1 prohibits the distribution of mail-in ballot applications by the Election Administrator (EA).

If you have voted by mail in the past, you probably received an application for a mail-in ballot automatically each year, which reminded you to apply. You simply filled out the application and sent it in. You will no longer receive that application automatically. Instead, if you want to vote by mail, you must affirmatively request an application.

2. You can obtain a Vote by Mail Application in one of two ways. Go to the www.HarrisVotes.com website and click on “Voting by Mail.” There you’ll find a downloadable vote by mail application , a mail ballot tracker to monitor the process of

your application, and answers to any questions you might have. Just print the application, fill it out and mail it in.**

OR, if you do not have internet access or a printer and are unable to print an application on line, simply call the Election Administrator’s office at 713-755-6965 and ask them to mail you an application. They have personnel who will take your call and assist you.

Don’t delay! If you want to vote in the Primary, your application for a mail-in ballot must be received by the EA’s office no later than Friday, February 18, 2022. So to be safe, it should be mailed on or before Monday, February 14. Because mail delivery has slowed, apply now to be sure your application will arrive in time to be completed and sent back to Harris Votes well in advance of February 18. (If you miss the February 18 deadline, you won’t be able to vote in the primary BUT you will be able to vote in the November election.) ***

Senate Bill 1 creates new ID requirements for voting by mail.

SB1 establishes additional identification requirements for voting by mail. For the first time, the application for a mail-in ballot will ask for your full driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The same form of identification also must be included on the envelope you will use when you return your completed ballot. SB1 also requires that this identification information must match what is already on file in your individual voter record. In other words, the ID you provide now, in 2022, must be the same that you used when you registered to vote.

If you registered long ago, you may not remember which form of ID you used. However, the application and current voter registration forms ask for the last 4 digits of your SSN only if you don’t have a driver’s license. So using your driver’s license number would seem to be the best choice.

3. What if your ID information does not match what is in your voter record?

Don’t panic. Under this heading on the HarrisVotes website (see the link to “Senate Bill Election Law Effective December 2, 2021), the following statements appear:

Harris County Elections is here to ensure any simple mistakes are addressed.

  • If we spot any mistakes, we will proactively reach out to you directly to address any inconsistencies if you included a phone number or email when registering to vote. If not, we will mail you a letter with follow up information.
  • Still have questions? Call us at (713) 755-6965. Email: vbm@harrisvotes.com

NOTES:

** If you are 65 or older or are disabled, be sure to choose the “annual” ballot option. That option assures you will receive a ballot for all elections in the calendar year.

*** If you submit your application by FAX or EMAIL you must also submit it by mail and it must be received by the early voting clerk not later than the fourth business day after the transmission by fax or email is received. (TEC 84.007). · Email: vbm@HarrisVotes.com Fax: (713)-755-4983 or (713)-437-8683 Visit www.harrisvotes.com for more information. At the top of the welcome screen, you will see a red line that says “Senate Bill 1 Election Law Effective December 2, 2021. More info here.”

About the Author

Board Member of HCDVCC & DV Expert,

Dr. Toby Meyers

Our Mission:
To improve Harris County’s response to domestic violence, we lead efforts to build collaborative systems and innovative programs that increase access to services and safety.
Our Vision:
We envision a community where all persons have relationships that are safe, healthy, and free from domestic violence.
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