l longer while errors were identified and corrected. Corrections that were often made by the same clerk who prepared the packet the first time.

So far this year, 167 packets have been returned. Last month, just three were returned.

Creuzot said the tracking program is working as the county continues to reduce the backlog.

Dallas County prepares for midterm election

(Photo by Matthew Hatcher/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Dig deeper:

Commissioners were also briefed on the upcoming midterm elections.

Election Day is Nov. 3, and early voting begins Monday.

Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams joined the meeting via Zoom while working at the elections department ahead of early voting.

More than 20,000 mail-in ballots have been sent out. Adams said those ballots are still hand-mailed by county employees, and he wants to modernize that part of the voting process.

Adams said his department is prepared with what he believes is sufficient staff for the election, although he acknowledged there could be unexpected challenges.

 At this point, I feel comfortable,  Adams said.  Hopefully, we don't get anything else from the secretary of state, such as registrations, those kinds of things. That's the only reason that I have a little bit of pause. Just making clear that if something comes down the pike that we haven't prepared for, I would have to assess at that time. But at this point, I feel comfortable with our staffing. 

What they're saying:

Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price said Adams is prepared for the election.

 He's ready, and he understands some of the sins of the past that he had nothing to do with,  Price said.  He's anticipated everything, and we expect this election to be as large as a presidential election. We're preparing, and it's all hands on deck. 

What Dallas County voters need to know

What you can do:

Fewer than 180,000 voters are now listed in suspense status, meaning there is a question about their address. Adams credited political campaigns with encouraging voters to check their information, helping reduce the number by more than 20,000 before early voting begins.

Voters can still cast a ballot if they go to the polls and are told they are in suspense status, but they will need to complete what is called a statement of residence before voting.