Comal County adopts resolution defending countywide polling places and electronic poll books

Comal County Commissioners Court voted Thursday to approve a resolution backing the countywide polling place program and the use of electronic poll books and opposing any legislation that would eliminate either.

The resolution came after public comment from Jerry Champlin, president of the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area, who asked the court to approve a resolution opposing the elimination of the countywide voting program. “Each year we talk to thousands of Comal County voters. They all like the fact that they can choose where to cast their ballot,” Champlin said.

County elections staff asked the court to preserve the countywide program and the electronic poll books, saying the systems let voters go to any county polling location and help staff maintain accurate, real-time voting records.

“Just think back when we had paper voter registration list[s], and signing combo forms. That’s what we would revert back to,” an elections staff member warned during the discussion, describing how eliminating countywide polling places and electronic poll books would return the county to a slower, paper-driven process.

Commissioners who spoke supported the resolution and emphasized convenience and cost savings. One commissioner noted that the county began its countywide program in 2019 and deliberately did not reduce the number of polling places; instead, the program made it easier for voters to access those locations. Another commissioner highlighted that countywide polling locations help precincts that struggle to find a single polling site by offering voters additional options.

The motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously by voice vote when commissioners raised their hands in favor.

The resolution will be forwarded to Comal County’s representatives in Austin and joins similar resolutions by other Texas counties concerned about proposed state legislation affecting election administration.