Ellis County reviews voter registration vendor options following VOTECH layoffs

Concerns over voter registration systems took center stage at the Ellis County Special Commissioners Court meeting on August 25, 2025, as officials grappled with the sudden departure of their long-time vendor, VOTECH. The company, which has been providing voter registration services since 2014, announced it would cease operations by the end of the day, leaving the county in a precarious position.

County officials revealed that most of VOTECH's employees had either resigned or been laid off, raising alarms about the continuity of voter registration services. With the upcoming November constitutional amendments election on the horizon, the urgency to find a replacement vendor has intensified.

Currently, Texas counties have the option to either connect to the state’s Texas Election Administration Management System or utilize offline systems. VOTECH was one of the two offline options available, alongside VR Systems. However, with VOTECH's exit, the county is now exploring additional vendors that may be able to step in.

Janet, a key official, proposed postponing any decisions regarding new systems until the next meeting on September 2, allowing for further review of potential alternatives. She reassured the court that the county's voter registration data remains secure and stored in-house, mitigating immediate risks.

The court's decision to delay action reflects a careful approach to ensure that the county can implement a reliable voter registration system in time for the upcoming election. As the search for a new vendor continues, officials remain focused on maintaining the integrity and security of the electoral process in Ellis County.