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Elections staff seeks approval to upgrade check-in tablets after state changes; funds requested from Chapter 19 allocation
Summary
Elections staff reported buying three check-in tablets for a newly designated polling location and asked permission to upgrade remaining devices using Chapter 19 election funds so all devices are compatible with vendor software changes.
The Howard County Elections office told the Commissioners Court it purchased three check-in tablets for a newly designated polling location and requested permission to use Chapter 19 election funds to upgrade the remaining units so they are compatible with the vendor's updated software.
Jody, speaking for the elections office, said the state law changes expanded early-voting options and allowed the Election Center to be used as a polling location, increasing the number of sites from four to five. Jody said, "I purchased 3 tablets, using chapter 19 funds," and that vendor software changes recommended in 2024 mean the remaining tablets need upgrades to work with the new units. Jody asked the court to approve using the elections fund money set aside for such upgrades. The Chair acknowledged the request and there was no recorded objection in the provided transcript; a formal motion or vote on the upgrade request is not recorded in the excerpt.
Why it matters: the upgrades affect election day check-in technology and compliance with state requirements; the request uses restricted election funds rather than general county revenue.
