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Calhoun County adopts resolution opposing elimination of countywide polling places
Summary
Calhoun County Commissioners approved a resolution opposing state proposals to end countywide polling locations, citing access and cost concerns for rural precincts.
Calhoun County Commissioners Court voted Feb. 24 to adopt a resolution opposing state legislation that would eliminate the countywide polling-place program, a change county officials said would increase cost and reduce access in rural precincts.
The resolution, offered by the county clerk and presented to the court, passed by voice vote after a brief discussion. Commissioner Farmer moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner McGowan seconded, and the court voted in favor with no recorded opposition.
County officials told the court that several bills pending in the Texas Legislature would require counties to replace consolidated countywide polling locations with more, smaller precinct-based sites. The county clerk said that change would force Calhoun County to move from four polling locations to eight, a logistical problem in some sparsely populated precincts where public buildings or internet service to support voting equipment are limited.
“There's hardly anywhere in Putnam that you could even hold voting,” the clerk said, adding that some rural precincts lack internet access or suitable facilities. The clerk also cited equipment costs, saying a single voting machine that issues voter cards costs about $6,000 and that counties would need duplicate devices for early voting and election day at each site.
The resolution, which the court approved unanimously, will be transmitted to the county's state representatives and to county election technology contacts. The court did not direct staff to take further action beyond forwarding the resolution.
The discussion drew no extended debate from commissioners. The judge asked if there were questions before the motion; none were raised. The resolution reflects a statewide push by other counties to register formal opposition to bills that would end consolidated polling locations.
Votes at a glance - Resolution opposing elimination of countywide polling-place program — Motion: Commissioner Farmer; Second: Commissioner McGowan; Outcome: Approved (voice vote, no opposition).
