1.6 Million Voter Registration Cards To Be Mailed Today
Post Office to Process First Major Batch of Local Voter Registration Certificates

HOUSTON – January 4, 2006 - Harris County Voter Registrar Paul Bettencourt announced that his office will begin mailing 1,607,501 voter registration certificates today. The new certificates, printed last month, reflect recently approved precinct line changes affecting about 135,000, or 8 percent, of the county’s registered voters.

“Voting is one of our most precious rights and responsibilities,” said Bettencourt. “As voter registrar for one of the nation’s largest counties, I encourage voters to watch their mail for their new registration certificate and to let my office know if they don’t receive it soon.”

Registered voters in Harris County who have not moved within the last two years automatically receive renewal certificates. Voters who do not receive a renewal certificate by mid-January are encouraged to call 713-368-VOTE (8683). The U.S. Postal Service is helping to provide public awareness through its participation in the publicity effort.

“We are always happy to do what we can to support voter registration efforts,” said Postmaster Gwen Green.

The new voter registration certificates, which are light yellow in color, are expected to hit local mailboxes next week and are valid until December 31, 2007. Registered voters should make note of their precinct information prior to the upcoming elections to determine if they are one of the voters affected by precinct changes.

WHO: Voter Registrar Paul Bettencourt WHAT: Mass mailing of truckload of 1.6 million voter registration certificates WHEN: 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006 WHERE: Barbara Jordan Downtown Post Office, 401 Franklin, at the business bulk mail acceptance unit at the front loading dock

Texas Election Code Sec. 14.001 mandates that each voter registrar issue renewal voter registration certificates in odd-numbered years. All voter registration certificates are posted on the Tax Office Web site. For more information, call 713-368-VOTE (8683) or visit the Tax Office Web site at www.hcvoter.net.

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