Texas has signed memorandums of understanding with nine states to share voter registration data, an initiative the Texas Secretary of State (SoS) says will support the accuracy of voter rolls and strengthen election integrity.
According to a news release from the SoS, the agreements are designed to help detect duplicate registrations across state lines and ensure that voter rolls are up to date. The participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
“These agreements will enhance the integrity of our voter rolls and build confidence in our election processes,” SoS Jane Nelson said in the announcement. “We are committed to protecting the right to vote and ensuring secure and accurate elections.”
The memorandums include protocols for securely exchanging voter registration information and require participating states to maintain confidentiality and adhere to cybersecurity standards. Any instances of suspected duplicate registrations or potential voter fraud identified through the data-sharing process would be referred to the appropriate authorities.
Texas previously participated in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a nonprofit, multistate partnership established to help states identify ineligible or duplicate voter registrations and improve list maintenance. The state joined ERIC in 2020 and used the program as a tool to cross-check registration records against other member states. Texas withdrew from ERIC in 2023, citing concerns about data security, governance transparency and mandated outreach requirements to unregistered but eligible voters.
In its press release, the SoS’ office emphasized that Texas continues to use a variety of in-state and federal data sources to maintain its voter rolls, including the Social Security Administration, Bureau of Vital Statistics, U.S. Postal Service and Department of Public Safety. The new state-to-state agreements are described as an additional resource to support election officials in verifying registration information.
The announcement notes that Texas plans to expand the program by entering into similar agreements with additional states in the future.
Texas Enters Voter Registration Data Sharing Agreements
What to Know:
- Texas has entered agreements with nine states designed to help detect duplicate registrations across state lines.
- The memorandums of understanding include protocols for securely exchanging voter registration information.
- Texas plans to expand the program by entering into similar agreements with additional states in the future.
