As early voting begins tomorrow in Fort Bend County, voters are being asked to consider a race that often flies under the radar but affects nearly every resident at some point in their lives: County Clerk. Early voting for the March 3, 2026 primary election begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and continues through Friday, February 27, 2026, with Election Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 

Entrepreneur and technology specialist Shah Haleem is running for the position, saying the office plays a far more critical role than many voters realize.

“This office touches nearly every resident at some point,” Haleem said in an interview with Houston Style Magazine. “It is essentially the county’s official record keeper.”

A Role That Impacts Every Resident

The County Clerk’s office maintains birth and death certificates, property registrations, liens, probate cases, guardianship matters, and official Commissioners Court records. In Fort Bend County, the office employs about 106 people across six locations, making it one of the busiest county departments in Texas.

The Clerk also serves as the official record keeper for Commissioners Court, documenting proceedings and decisions that involve millions of taxpayer dollars.

“Accuracy, neutrality, and transparency are non-negotiable,” Haleem said. “Residents deserve to know how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are allocated.”

Elections and Public Trust

While the County Clerk does not directly operate polling locations, the office plays a role in election administration by serving on the Election Administration Committee and managing election-related records.

Haleem emphasized that election data is public and must remain independent from political influence.

“The integrity of that data has to be maintained,” he said. “The office must operate free from political pressure.”

“Election administration is always under scrutiny,” he said. “Clerks across Texas manage enormous pressure.”

Why He’s Running

Haleem says his candidacy is rooted in service rather than ambition.

“I’m an entrepreneur. I’m not running for the money,” he said. “This position is about service to the community.”

The County Clerk’s office has been held by Republicans for decades. Haleem believes the county’s changing demographics call for leadership that reflects inclusion and accessibility.

“Public office should serve everyone,” he said.

A Focus on Technology Modernization

Haleem is the only candidate in the race with a background in technology. He studied computer information systems and worked for 11 years as a technology specialist.

Fort Bend County currently operates on systems provided by Tyler Technologies, a widely used public-sector software vendor. Haleem said modernization efforts must involve coordination across the entire justice system.

“The County Clerk cannot modernize in isolation,” he said. “Judges, attorneys, and Commissioners Court must all operate on a seamless platform.”

Cybersecurity, he added, is an ongoing challenge.

“Hackers evolve quickly. Government systems must be continuously updated to stay ahead.”

Haleem also proposed advocating for long-term statewide collaboration among county clerks to improve interoperability of systems across Texas. He described the initiative as an ambitious project but emphasized that he is ready and capable of taking on the challenge.

Accessibility and Customer Service

Beyond technology, Haleem said improving customer service is central to his platform.

He said he has heard concerns from seniors and residents who struggle with online systems.

“Telling someone to go use a computer doesn’t work for everyone,” he said.

Among his proposals:

• A dedicated full-time staff member at headquarters to assist residents in person
• Expanded multilingual service options
• QR codes at each office location allowing residents to provide real-time feedback
• A structured internship program for college students interested in law and public service

“The goal is to create a welcoming, service-oriented environment,” Haleem said.

Community Engagement

Haleem said government offices should extend beyond administrative functions and engage directly with the community.

He has organized food and clothing drives in parts of Rosenberg and said some neighborhoods in the area face ongoing economic challenges.

“Leadership should show up consistently, not just during election season,” he said.

If elected, Haleem said he would use the visibility of the Clerk’s office to partner with community organizations and increase outreach.

“The Clerk’s office can be a connector,” he said.

Final Message to Voters

Asked what he wants voters to know, Haleem offered a concise closing statement:

“I respect everyone. Public service means treating people with dignity and ensuring transparency and accountability in every action.”

With early voting now underway in Fort Bend County, voters will determine who will oversee one of the county’s most foundational public offices.

Learn more about Shah Haleem here: https://www.shahforclerk.com/