Starr County sets Nov. 5 election sites, approves election‑service contract and equipment purchases

Starr County Commissioners' Court approved the slate of early‑voting and election‑day sites for the Nov. 5 general election and moved ahead with related administrative actions, including an election‑services contract estimate and the purchase of additional voting machines.

Elections staff said the notice for the election has not been posted and sites can be amended before posting. Staff proposed early‑voting locations such as San Juanita Cantu and the Roma Community Center and noted precinct allocations must include a polling place in every precinct. The court approved the sites as presented, subject to change before official notice.

On a related item, staff said the City of Rio Grande City had requested county administration of an amendment election; staff provided an estimate and said they would request a $10,000 initial payment and invoice any difference after the election. Staff characterized the figures as estimates, noting an "estimated amount of maybe 8,500" in the materials presented.

The court also approved purchasing additional voting machines described as "DS200" earlier in the meeting and later referenced as "DS20" in the transcript; the record contains both references and does not resolve the apparent model-number discrepancy. The court approved the purchase as discussed in executive session.

The court approved opening a new bank account to manage certificates of obligation funds and a $100 loan from the General Fund to open the account; those administrative moves were discussed alongside the election items.