Some El Paso counties will close schools on voting day, while others will remain open

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — School districts across El Paso will open voting locations in some schools on Nov. 5, but only three districts will cancel classes on Election Day.

The districts canceling classes are Canutillo Independent School District, Clint Independent School District and El Paso Independent School District.

Socorro Independent School District and Ysleta Independent School District will have polling places at their schools, but classes will continue as scheduled.

Gustavo Reveles, a spokesman for Canutillo ISD, said the district made the decision to cancel classes to ensure student safety.

“This is the first year that we feel we have some concerns about student safety, not because of what’s going on, not because of any specific threat, but simply because the state is enforcing an election law that prevents us from locking down the front door ” – stated Reveles.

Lisa Wise, El Paso County’s elections administrator, said this is due to the Texas Election Code.

Reveles added that Canutillo ISD will not be able to verify voter ID, which will create another security risk.

“Photo ID cannot be required to enter a venue,” Wise said.

Both Canutillo ISD and Clint ISD will not require students to make up schoolwork because the districts have designated Nov. 5 as a teacher work day.

Reveles told KFOX14/CBS4 the district will continue to have safeguards in place to keep staff safe.

Socorro ISD officials said that while classes will continue as normal, they will have additional security.

According to a district spokesperson, Anthony Independent School District will hold regular classes because there will be no voting facilities at their schools.

Tornillo Independent School District will also hold regular classes, while San Elizario Independent School District and Fabens Independent School District have not released their plans for Election Day.

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