Voters report problems at polling locations, frustrated with long lines

HOUSTON – People across the Houston area are heading to the polls to decide several key issues and pick Houston's next mayor.  Some voters, however, have already reported problems at some polling locations.

A loose wire is to blame for a voting mishap at one location, where some voters waited over an hour before they were allowed to cast a ballot.

"The polls have been stalled, I guess," said Alayna Pagnani Gendron. "I don't know what's going on."

At one point, the line at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Waugh Drive stretched out the door, filled with voters who were not allowed to vote.

"It was ridiculous. An hour and a half to get the polls open," said Brenda Lemoine.

Voters told KPRC2 there were two issues at play: first, the location's election judge was late because of a flat tire. Then, a machine used to confirm voters' registration would not work. Voters whose last name began with letters L-Z were assigned that machine and had to wait until the machine was fixed.

"The poor woman, her hands were shaking trying to talk with someone on the phone. I have no idea what's going on," said Ellen Quinn, who waited until the problem was fixed.

The Harris County Clerk's Office said the office was looking into the situation, but said each machine is set up to process every voter, no matter their name.

Also, the office said there are technical support staff positioned throughout the county to help resolve issues like this.

A representative ultimately arrived at the polling location and fixed the problem.

Voters whose last name began with letters L-Z were able to vote around 8:15 a.m.