False email about voter registration circulating

Amarillo, TX - Hundreds of residents in our area are confused about their voter status, all because of a false email circulating in Texas.

"An email going around telling people they're not registered to vote if their card is expired, that is incorrect. You are still registered to vote, you could vote today if there were an election with your identification," says Ruthie Poynter, manager for voter registration, Randall County.

Which is why phones at the Randall and Potter County voter registration offices have been ringing off the hook.

"Last week, at least on Friday, there was maybe like one-hundred phone calls from voters wanting to find out what the email meant, if their voter registration was still good and what was going on with the voter registration certificate," says Knoxie Mathes, elections administrator, Potter County.

"Thirty to forty calls a day at least, maybe more," says Ruthie Poynter, manager for voter registration, Randall County.

The only time a voter needs to change voter registration is when they move or change their name.

The false email only adds to the confusion, since many voters are wondering why they haven't received their renewal cards yet.

"Right now we're in a holding period because of the redistricting that has been going on in the state. Until they get that solved and they are able to get some of the lines drawn the way that they're supposed to, because that effects each of the voters, we are not in the position to be able to mail those voter certificates right now," says Knoxie Mathes, elections administrator, Potter County.

Both counties hope this will not discourage anyone from voting in this year's elections.

"All this has done is delay the primary but I would still like to see everyone get out and vote. I think it's very important and the dates don't matter," says Ruthie Poynter, manager for voter registration, Randall County.