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Public commenters urge delay or contract safeguards for ES&S maintenance amid VVSG and executive-order concerns
Summary
Speakers told commissioners to delay approving an ES&S maintenance contract or include an escape clause because of pending federal guidance (Executive Order 14248) and VVSG 2 certification uncertainty for some voting systems.
Several members of the public urged Collin County commissioners to delay approving or to add protective contract language to an upcoming election-equipment maintenance contract with ES&S (Election Systems & Software).
Lee Moore read an email to the court and requested the county delay the ES&S maintenance contract, which he said would be worth more than $370,000 for ballot-marking device maintenance and could be affected by pending election-law changes. Moore cited President Trump Executive Order 14248 (issued March 25, 2025) and the timeline for systems to meet updated Election Assistance Commission (EAC) standards, saying no ES&S systems were yet certified to the newer VVSG 2 standard as of a cited EAC inquiry.
Moore urged the commissioners to include an "escape clause" in the maintenance contract to allow refunds or adjustments if federal or state requirements change in a way that renders the maintenance unnecessary or noncompliant.
Another public speaker, identified only as Reynolds, expressed support for Executive Order 14248 and argued that jurisdictions should favor hand-marked paper ballots over barcode translations from touchscreen systems.
Deputy County Administrator Russell Schraffner later referenced SB 2753 and other election-related bills that could change early-voting timelines and said the county would coordinate with the secretary of state on implementation details.
Why it matters: Procurement for election equipment and maintenance affects election administration and may carry fiscal risk if federal or state certification requirements change. Public commenters asked the county to avoid committing taxpayer funds until certification and statutory questions are resolved.
No vote on an ES&S maintenance contract occurred at the meeting; commenters said the contract is scheduled for consideration at a subsequent meeting and recommended adding contractual protections or delaying execution until rules and certifications are settled.
