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Uvalde County Court Authorizes Countywide Polling Places After Heated Public Debate
Summary
Following extensive public comment both for and against, the court voted to proceed with the Secretary of State‑approved countywide polling‑place program. Supporters cited convenience and access; opponents raised notice, auditability and fraud concerns. Vote recorded in favor.
After a lengthy public-comment period on Sept. 23, the Uvalde County Commissioners Court voted to proceed with the countywide polling‑place program that the Secretary of State had approved for the county.
Melissa Jones, introduced by the presiding officer as the elections administrator, reported the county’s application had been approved by the Secretary of State and recommended moving forward. That recommendation came after presenters and dozens of residents — both opponents and proponents — addressed the court.
Opponents, including Emma Bridal and Rhonda Vigil, argued the county did not provide sufficient notice beyond a website posting, said the decision was being rushed less than 60 days before an election, and raised concerns about auditability and alleged incidents of ballots being identifiable or altered. Vigil offered to provide documentation she said demonstrates vulnerabilities in local procedures.
Proponents including Carlos Lopez, Hector Webb and other longtime election workers said countywide polling increases accessibility for working voters, reduces barriers established historically such as poll taxes, and is nonpartisan in effect. Several speakers said paper ballots remain part of the process and urged the court to expand opportunities to vote at convenient locations.
The elections administrator recommended proceeding, a motion was made and seconded, and the court proceeded with the program. The court recorded the motion as carried (voice vote 'Aye' and 'Motion carries' as entered on the record).
Court members discussed that countywide polling is not new in Texas—staff said many Texas counties have used this process since 2006—and referenced state‑level review including a Senate hearing that examined similar allegations. The court asked staff to follow up with clarifications on administration and audit procedures as requested by citizens.
