Election officials prepare for unprecedented ballot demand

In a recent government meeting, officials reported a significant increase in court transport activities, with 305 individuals moved to court so far this year, compared to 183 last year. This uptick is attributed to the addition of four judges, which has enhanced the court's capacity to handle cases. However, challenges remain as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) struggles with staffing shortages, leading to delays in prisoner pickups. Currently, there are about 15 individuals awaiting transfer, a situation that has not impacted the county as severely as others.

The meeting also addressed the renewal of a contract with SOA Software for election night reporting systems, which is set to extend for three years from October 2024 to October 2027. The contract renewal comes with a price increase, but officials noted a credit from previous overpayments that will delay costs until the second year of the new contract.

Additionally, the county is preparing for upcoming elections under a new state mandate requiring preprinted serialized ballots. This change necessitates replacing existing ballot stock and ordering new ballots for each election, which will increase costs from 10 cents to 16 cents per ballot. Despite the financial implications, officials emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of ballots, especially with the expected rise in voter turnout for the presidential election.

The county is also exploring federal funding opportunities for election infrastructure, with hopes of securing resources to support these changes. As the November election approaches, officials anticipate increased activity in voter registration and mail-in ballot applications, reflecting the heightened interest in the electoral process.