During a recent meeting of the Smith County DOP executive committee, discussions centered on the upcoming 2024 elections, highlighting concerns over election integrity and the appointment of election judges. A key speaker, Mr. Brewer, raised alarms about the vulnerabilities of electronic voting machines, citing historical issues with ballot security and the lack of constitutional safeguards. He emphasized the importance of paper ballots and hand counting, arguing that the current system lacks proper oversight and accountability.

The committee also reviewed a list of proposed election judges submitted by both the Democratic and Republican parties, reflecting the county's demographic makeup of 79% Republican and 21% Democratic. The court unanimously approved the appointments, ensuring that both parties are represented in the election process.

In preparation for the November 5, 2024 election, the committee discussed facility use agreements for early voting locations, adding two new sites to accommodate an expected turnout of around 50,000 voters. The adjustments aim to enhance accessibility for voters across the county, particularly in rural areas, while maintaining a sufficient number of polling places.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure a fair and accessible electoral process in Smith County, amidst growing concerns about the reliability of voting technology.