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KTSU2News has candid conversation with Teneshia Hudspeth about the 2020 election

Written by on October 19, 2020

Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk’s Chief Deputy

By Ania Jackson

To kick off the election season, KTSU2 News executive producer Januel Burton sat down with Harris County chief deputy Teneshia Hudspeth to discuss her run for Harris County Clerk and the importance of voting this election season.

The Harris County Clerk’s office handles voting and elections. Its responsibilities include providing a voting location where citizens are able to vote, voter education, marriage licenses, and many other important services.

Hudspeth is the first African-American woman to serve as chief deputy in the Harris County Clerk’s office. Being the second in command to the vital office, she has expanded the strategies for voting and outreach, especially in underserved communities.

Because of her efforts and collaboration with community stakeholders, TSU now has a voting precinct on campus.

Texas Southern University held the “First Day of Voting March to The Polls” rally on Tuesday, Oct. 13 to encourage the community to hit the polls for early voting.

TSU voting rally

“When I was a student, we didn’t have a location, and we fought for many, many years to get voting on campus and now it’s happening. I couldn’t be more excited,” said Hudspeth, who is an alumna of TSU.

Harris County also has drive-thru voting at 10 locations.  This interactive map at harrisvotes.com shows all of the polling locations and times.  Users must select the drop down menu and select a preference.  Click: Harris County’s interactive map.

Voters have until Oct. 30, 2020, to vote early. The polls will be opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 29, the polls will be open 24 hours, starting at 7a.m. at eight locations.

“We have never had a location where voting lasted for 24-hours, but it will be a 24-hour voting location this year for early voting,” Hudspeth said.

Hudspeth also encouraged voters to study the ballot before going to the polls.  

Citizens are encouraged to vote the entire ballot. It is important to leave no race unturned, Hupspeth said.

“This is one of the longest ballots in the history of voting and Harris County is the third-largest county in the United States,” said Hudspeth, who has been endorsed by the Houston Chronicle.

Hudspeth also encouraged voters to go to harrisvotes.com and print out the sample ballot and pre-mark it, before going to the polls so that they have a stress-free voting experience.

“It has to be contest by contest, and once you’ve made all your choices, there is a summary page to make sure that you chose the candidates of your choice,” said Hudspeth on the format on how to vote at the polls.

Hudspeth said she has a long history of serving the Houston community.

“I worked in the community and not just in the office.  It starts with making sure that you have built relationships with other people and great working partnerships. I served the community without pay and have a passion for it. Time, resources, and passion, I will do the same thing if elected. I have done the work prior to,” said Hudspeth on why voters should trust and vote for her.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Voters can also call the Harris County Clerk’s office at 713 755-6965.