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City appoints election officials for May 2 special election; council discusses buying voting machines
Summary
Council appointed election day officials for a May 2, 2026 special election to fill Council Member Position 4 and discussed buying minimal voting equipment; staff said standalone elections require city‑appointed officials and quoted equipment costs in the tens of thousands.
Bellaire's City Council approved an ordinance appointing election officials for a stand‑alone special election on May 2, 2026, to fill a vacancy in Council Member Position 4. Staff said because the election is standalone the city must supply officials and equipment rather than relying on the county.
Tracy (staff) explained the slate of election day officials she had selected; "Everyone I selected, are asked if they would serve for us in either position of an election judge and early voting ballot board," she said, adding that Jim Harrison had agreed to handle the count station. The council discussed equipment procurement, with staff noting they had purchased the minimum number of machines needed (three). Council members shared price estimates: the voting equipment quote was down to about $41,000 and an electronic poll book roughly $13,000; council cautioned the total could approach $100,000 once supplies and incidental costs were included. Early voting was set for April 20–28.
The ordinance naming city election officials passed unanimously. Council asked staff to continue refining costs and to seek county cooperation (leasing or resale) if possible.
Why it matters: A stand‑alone special election requires city resources; the decision commits staff time and near‑term capital or rental costs for equipment.
