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Observer tells Katy ISD trustees she reported alleged election code violations to Secretary of State
Summary
A public commenter said she observed alleged Texas Election Code violations during a previous Katy ISD election and asked the board to secure future elections with tamper‑proof seals, ballot boards and oversight by an election official.
Tamara McFarland told the Katy ISD Board of Trustees on Jan. 27 that she observed what she described as "several serious election code violations" during last year's Katy ISD election and that she reported the matter to the Texas Secretary of State.
"There was no ballot security, or chain of custody as required by Texas law," McFarland said during public comment. She said she and another observer were met with hostility by the district contractor and asked whether future elections could be secured by an election official or a county election office such as Fort Bend County.
McFarland asked the district to ensure tamper‑proof seals are placed on each ballot box before it leaves a poll center, that seals not be cut without oversight, and that a ballot board and observers be present as required by Texas Election Code. She also asked whether the election will be "conducted by an election official or a more secure party."
The transcript records McFarland's comments and questions; trustees did not announce a response or a staff directive at the Jan. 27 meeting. McFarland also thanked trustees for recent actions she described as strengthening parental rights and support for teachers.
