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Elections are the signature trademark of a democratic republic. The framers of the U.S. Constitution recognized the importance of guaranteeing the right to elect our representation. Consistent with the concerns over concentration of power, Article I of the U.S. Constitution assigns the responsibility for elections to the states, not the federal government.
The Texas Constitution devotes an entire Article to suffrage and includes Article VI, Section 2(c): “The privilege of free suffrage shall be protected by laws regulating elections and prohibiting under adequate penalties all undue influence in elections from power, bribery, tumult, or other improper practice.” This commitment is reinforced by Section 1.0015, Election Code: “It is the intent of the legislature that the application of this code and the conduct of elections be uniform and consistent throughout this state to reduce the likelihood of fraud in the conduct of elections, protect the privacy of the ballot, promote voter access, and ensure that all legally cast ballots are counted.”
Although the state is charged with the responsibility for elections, the legislature has assigned most election duties to counties and their elected officials. The allocation of funds, registration of voters, preparation of voter lists, designation of election precincts, polling places, hiring of election workers, purchase of election equipment, preparation of ballots, certification of independent and write-in candidates, early and absentee voting, Election Day voting, ballot counting and canvassing, and certification of results are statutory duties of various county officials, including Commissioners Courts, County Judges, tax assessor-collectors, county clerks, and election administrators. County officials perform these functions as a solemn duty of their offices. The details of these operations and events occur beyond the knowledge and recognition of most citizens. It is a compliment to our election officials that the proper performance of these duties is automatically presumed.
“The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower. While the right to vote is guaranteed by our constitutions and laws, it is not universally exercised. Many eligible citizens do not register to vote. Percentage turnout among eligible voters declined in 2024 from 2020. Participation in midterm elections is generally lower than presidential years. Unfortunately, Texas ranks in the bottom 10 percent among the states in voter participation percentage.
“Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops.” – Kate Sheppard. There are many reasons for low voter participation: 1) voter burnout; 2) lack of enthusiasm; 3) negative campaigning; and 4) lack of knowledge of eligibility and procedures. However, recent surveys indicate that there is also some distrust in the validity of the system. This is an unfortunate misconception of the commitment of the voting officials and the reliability of the safeguards in the system. Such misconception is detrimental to our democratic republic and our county officials. Mistrust of the elections bleeds into mistrust of the elected officials. When the integrity of the system is maligned, the integrity of all county officials is slandered. As important as free and fair elections are, it is equally important to educate the public on the accuracy and honesty of the system.
We are honored to have extremely dedicated election officials. In my many years of county practice, I have never met a more dedicated and skilled group of public servants. Their devotion to their duty is unsurpassed.
In recent years, election officials have been subjected to personal and social media abuse and even physical threats. This is shameful and cannot be tolerated. As we approach the end of the registration period and begin early voting, it is an excellent time to emphasize the value and worth of our election officials. Recognition of these officials and workers at a meeting of Commissioners Court and a special appreciation of those who have participated in the election process for several years would be appropriate. Treating them to lunch or refreshments at a training session can also be beneficial. A press release on the importance of registering and voting can include a summary of the duties and service of these election officials, their employees, and volunteers. Let’s do our part to encourage participation in our elections and strengthen the confidence and support of our great state and nation.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt