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Council approves purchase of election‑image display software to post ballot images online
Summary
City Secretary demonstrated Savera software that would display ballot images and cast‑vote records online as required when jurisdictions produce ballot images; council accepted staff’s recommendation to proceed, with part of the initial costs to be covered over time by La Porte ISD participation.
City Secretary presented a demonstration of Savera (transcript spelling varies) election software that displays ballot images and associated cast‑vote records to the public. Staff said the product does not affect vote tabulation speed but would make ballot images accessible online after elections, which Texas law requires when jurisdictions produce ballot images.
The demonstration showed how an election’s cast‑vote records could be paired with ballot images and displayed on a public webpage, enabling members of the public to review images without filing a public‑information request. Staff said the vendor estimated implementation could be completed in the January–February timeframe and described a setup fee plus first‑year charges; La Porte ISD (LPISD) requested to spread payments across two fiscal years, meaning the city would initially receive only half of the school district’s share in November and the remainder in the following fiscal year.
Council members asked whether the software speeds returns on election night; staff said it does not — it provides imagery and presentation only. Staff explained that images and records would be available to the public online free of charge and that the city will consider implementation logistics (hosting and website presentation). After questions about cost sharing and implementation timing, the council voted to accept staff’s recommendation and proceed with purchase and setup.
