Many voters in Fort Bend County experienced significant issues at polling locations on Election Day following problems with check-in and voter registration verification systems.

The issues began shortly after 3 p.m., when some voters reported being unable to cast ballots as expected. At the Cinco Ranch location, multiple voters were seen leaving the polling site after encountering problems during check-in. According to observations, only a small number of arriving voters were successfully processed, while others were flagged as “not found” in the system.

Those affected were offered provisional ballots and told they would receive a letter from the county indicating whether their vote was counted. During the outage, voters who could not be located in the check-in system were advised to complete provisional ballots.

One voter reported that he is a consistent voter but was not found in the system despite multiple attempts to verify his registration. After several checks, election workers tried an additional machine, where his name eventually appeared, allowing him to vote.

Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Chase Wilson confirmed that provisional ballot procedures were being used at polling sites during the disruption. He stated the issue was linked to an attempted upload of updated information, explaining that an outdated voter roll had been accidentally uploaded, which disrupted the current voter database district-wide. Wilson added that the issue was being addressed and expected to be resolved quickly.

Election officials said the situation was being closely monitored throughout the day to ensure affected voters were not disenfranchised and that polling locations could continue processing ballots once systems stabilized. Additional review is expected to determine how the error occurred and to prevent similar disruptions in future elections.

Dexter McCoy’s campaign released the following statement:

“We are aware of ongoing issues affecting voting across Fort Bend County and the County Elections Administration is working to resolve them as quickly as possible,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. “Right now the most important message our community needs to hear is this: If you are legally registered to vote, you should not let these issues get in the way. Go to your nearest voting location and cast your ballot, even if it needs to be a provisional ballot.

Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard, and no voter should walk away believing their vote does not matter. Fort Bend County is stronger when people participate, and I want voters to know this: your vote is your voice, and your voice still…”

Congressman Christian Menefee also released a statement urging voters to continue participating despite the disruptions.

“To every voter in Fort Bend County: please still go vote. Officials are working to fix this as quickly as possible. In the meantime, eligible voters may cast a provisional ballot. Your vote matters, and we want you to cast it,” said Congressman Christian Menefee.

“Fort Bend County officials must do what is necessary to extend poll hours tonight. Voters should not lose a single minute of their right to vote because of a technical failure outside of their control. The right to vote is too important to shortchange anyone,” Menefee continued.

The Menefee campaign said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide additional updates to the public as they become available.

This is a developing story.