Elections administrator outlines legislative changes that could alter local procedures, equipment handling and voter services

Remy (Elections Administrator) told the Cameron County Elections Commission on Tuesday that several measures passed by the 89th Texas Legislature — and a presidential executive order on voting‑system guidance — could require changes to how the county administers elections.

The updates Remy highlighted include changes to testing and storage of voting equipment, new timing for reporting and the handling of early voting, altered administration of curbside voting, and requirements about notifying voters when mailed ballots have defects. "Senate Bill 2,166 ... is going to affect when we have to conduct our logic and accuracy testing. It used to be 48 hours before early voting started; it's now 48 days," Remy said, adding the change would push up programming and preparation timelines.

Key points raised in the briefing: - Storage and security: Remy said the statute requires storing voting equipment in a locked room; his office has included security gates in a HAVA grant to create controlled‑access areas in the county warehouse. He said laptops and some accessories may not be included in the rule but that the county is awaiting guidance from the Texas Secretary of State. - Compressed early voting and reporting: Senate Bill 27‑53 compresses the early‑voting schedule for November elections and requires that any early‑voting location be open on Election Day; Remy said the measure effectively produces a single reported total per polling location instead of separate early‑vote and Election‑Day totals. "We will not have any opportunity to release the results at 07:10, 07:15," he said, describing practical implications for how returns are collected and reported. - Voter registration/address changes: Another bill makes a change so that a move within Cameron County less than 30 days before an election can become effective immediately if the elections office is notified at the polling place, which may require precinct staff to transfer registrations during voting hours. - Ballot‑by‑mail defects: Senate Bill 2964 shortens the time to notify voters of defects in ballot‑by‑mail applications — counties must notify within two days, Remy said. - Curbside voting and electioneering limits: House Bill 521 introduces new documentation for curbside voters and extends certain electioneering limits to within 20 feet of a designated parking space; Remy warned this could prompt legal challenges and would change how staff handle curbside voting. - ExpressVote/ADA devices and bar‑code guidance: The presidential executive order and related EAC guidance discourage use of bar codes and QR codes for vote counting except where necessary for voters with disabilities. Remy said that could limit the county's use of ExpressVote machines to voters who self‑identify as needing ADA assistance and that ES&S is working on an alternative "auto mark" device that might address the concern.

Remy repeatedly noted the Secretary of State will publish implementing guidance and convene a working group; the county will follow that guidance. Commissioners asked for clarification about operational details (who notifies the election office of address changes at the polling place; how curbside forms will be used; and how combined reporting would affect transparency and voter privacy). Remy said the office is tracking costs, equipment, and staff implications and will present more specific proposals as guidance is finalized.

The commission moved to acknowledge the legislative and executive‑order briefing; the motion carried by voice vote.

Ending: Remy said the Secretary of State's office will provide further details and that he expects the November election office calendar and equipment planning to be refined over the coming weeks.