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Callahan County approves resolution opposing elimination of countywide polling places
Summary
Callahan County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing state bills that would end countywide polling locations, citing feasibility and cost concerns for rural precincts and an estimated $6,000-per-machine expense.
Callahan County commissioners on Feb. 24 approved a resolution opposing state legislation that would eliminate countywide polling places and require more, smaller polling sites.
County clerk told the court several bills before the Legislature would force the county to move from four polling locations to roughly eight, a change she said would be "not feasible" in many rural precincts and would double expenses for equipment and poll workers. The clerk and other speakers noted the voting machine used to issue voter credentials costs about $6,000 and that counties would need separate units for early voting and election day at each site.
Commissioner Farmer moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner McGowan seconded. The court approved the resolution by voice vote; no opposition was recorded.
The resolution will be sent to the county's state representative and to county-association leadership, the clerk said. Supporters said the action is part of a broader push by multiple rural counties to register formal opposition to bills that would change polling operations.
Next steps: the county clerk indicated the resolution will be circulated to state lawmakers and technical-assistance leads for other counties. The court recorded no amendments to the resolution at the meeting and did not provide a written cost analysis in the packet.
