*** Click here for the audio version.*** 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 … [Read more...] about Voting in Elections: A Fundamental Right and Duty
voting
Leading the Way to the Ballot Box
*** Click here for the audio version.*** As elected officials, we understand the importance of public service. We make decisions that affect our counties, our communities, and the people we are privileged to serve. But before any of us ever took an oath of office, someone had the opportunity to cast a vote. Voting is one of the most fundamental rights and … [Read more...] about Leading the Way to the Ballot Box
Elections Administrator
KEY QUESTION: How does a county create the position of an elections administrator? REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Election Code Title 3, Election Officers and Observers. Chapter 31, Officers to Administer Elections, Subchapters B, C & D. TALKING POINTS: The County Commissioners Court creates the position of elections administrator and sets the salary by written order. … [Read more...] about Elections Administrator
Election Security Assessment
HAVA-Funded Program Allows for Comprehensive Review
“What you don’t know won’t hurt you” may work in some circumstances, but in other situations the consequences are not worth the risk. A related maxim came to mind when Chambers County Clerk Heather Hawthorne looked toward a review of the county’s election infrastructure. “The County Election Security Assessment (ESA) substantiated my initial thoughts of ‘I don’t … [Read more...] about Election Security Assessment
KEY CONCEPT: Countywide Precincts
KEY QUESTION: What is a Countywide Precinct, and what are the eligibility requirements? MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Election Code Section 43.007 TALKING POINTS: Countywide precincts, or vote centers, allow voters the option of voting at countywide polling places on Election Day instead of their assigned precinct polling locations. The countywide polling places … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Countywide Precincts