JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — The two parties don't agree on a whole lot, but one thing they agree on is that folks should have the right to vote. What that will look like in Texas is still up for debate.
As the clock ticks down on another election cycle, voting is on the minds of both Jefferson County Democratic and Republican Party co-chairs.
They both know the right to vote is important.
“To oppress the right to vote is un-American,” Jefferson County Democrat chair Ava Graves said.
“We wanna make sure that everyone has the right to take part in the process," said Judy Nichols, Jefferson County Republican Party Chair.
For several weeks, state representatives have been debating whether folks should have the right to vote by mail to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graves says the answer is simple.
“In the midst of a pandemic we have to be flexible we have to honor the right of all Americans in the midst of a pandemic," Graves said.
Nichols sees opportunity for voter fraud to take place if people are allowed to vote by mail.
“it’s just ripe with opportunity for mistakes and fraud and errors. It’s my duty to step up put a stop to that," Nichols said.
On Wednesday, Texas Supreme Court blocked voter expansions that would allow people worried about catching COVID-19 to vote by mail.
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Jefferson County Clerk Carolyn Guidry says the county has processed more than 3,500 requests for mail-in ballots and could see that number increase.
“Just please exercise your right to vote, we can do it cautiously and we can do it safely if everyone would just comply with rules and guidelines that we're trying to put in place," Guidry said. “For those who qualify for mail-in ballots, we encourage them to do that."
Jefferson County voters will need to wear a mask at polling locations and practice social distancing. The county has also set limits on the number of people at each polling location.
“We don’t always do what we’re suppose to do, all we can do is hope for the best, hope that everybody follows the guideline that’s in place," Guidry said.
Early voting for Texas runoff election will begin on June 29 and lasts for 2 weeks.
For those who choose not to vote early, they can head to the polls on July 14.