Republicans in several counties across Texas are exploring or have initiated plans to hand-count ballots for the upcoming primary elections scheduled for March. This approach could prove financially burdensome and could introduce uncertainty into important races.
Advocates among Texas Republicans argue that the voting machines typically used are unreliable, a narrative that has been supported by former President Donald Trump and his allies, despite a lack of substantial evidence. Opponents, including election experts and Democrats, caution that hand-counting may lead to mistakes, delays in result announcements, and potential legal challenges.
Plans for Hand-Counting in Various Counties
The structure of Texas elections assigns political parties the responsibility for managing Election Day voting during primaries, allowing partisan officials significant influence over election administration. Typically, Democrats and Republicans collaborate to administer elections, with county election officials overseeing the process and costs being reimbursed by the secretary of state.
In the upcoming primaries, however, some Republican groups in Texas counties are seeking to independently conduct elections at the precinct level, with plans to count ballots by hand on Election Day. Reports indicate that Republicans in Dallas, Hays, Eastland, and Orange counties have already approved hand-counting plans, while Denton and Gillespie counties are considering similar initiatives.
Challenges of Hand-Counting and Financial Implications
Hand-counting ballots can be a complex process. Texas law mandates that ballots must be counted within 24 hours of the close of polls, which requires election officials to remain on-site until the counting process is complete, potentially taking up to 36 hours. This situation requires extensive staffing and resources.
At a Republican training event this fall, state officials provided guidance on the legal aspects of hand-counting ballots. The secretary of state’s office is also assisting those interested in this method as preparations are underway.
While hand-counting has gained traction among some Republicans, many county parties are opting to avoid it due to the associated challenges. Party leaders in counties like Williamson have discussed the effectiveness of conducting hand-count audits rather than full hand-counting on Election Day, suggesting a more cautious approach to election integrity issues.
