Some El Paso districts will close schools on Election Day, while others will remain open

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — School districts across El Paso will hold polls at some of their schools on November 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.

The Socorro Independent School District and Ysleta Independent School District will have polling locations at their schools, but classes will continue as planned.

Canutillo ISD spokesman Gustavo Reveles said the district decided to cancel classes to ensure student safety.

“This is the first year that we feel like we have concerns about student safety, not because of anything that’s happening, not because of any specific threat, but simply because the state is enforcing an election law that prevents us from doing so prevents us from closing our front doors,” Reves explained.

El Paso County Elections Administrator Lisa Wise said this is due to Texas election law.

Reveles added that Canutillo ISD would not be able to verify voter IDs, which would pose another security risk.

“You cannot require real photo ID to enter the establishment,” Wise said.

Both Canutillo ISD and Clint ISD are not requiring students to make up the school day because the districts have scheduled Nov. 5 as a teacher work day.

Reveles told KFOX14/CBS4 that the district will continue to have security guards to ensure the safety of staff.

Socorro ISD officials said that while classes will continue as normal, there will be additional security.

Anthony Independent School District will hold regular classes because its schools will not be polling locations, according to a district spokesperson.

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

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