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Brazos County Residents Raise Concerns Over Election Software

Community members engaged in a discussion about election records in Brazos County.

News Summary

Brazos County commissioners approved a $12,875 software purchase for redacting election records, facing pushback from residents concerned about transparency and privacy. Locals questioned the legality of redacting electoral information and urged for public access to ballots. The discussion reflects the community’s active engagement in local governance, as residents advocate for their rights to electoral transparency amidst upcoming elections.

Brazos County Residents Voice Concerns over Election Record Software Purchase

In a bustling meeting filled with community spirit and chatter, Brazos County commissioners recently made headlines when they approved a significant expenditure for computer software priced at $12,875. This new software aims to help county officials streamline the process of redacting names from election ballots and cast vote records in preparation for the upcoming November 2024 election.

The introduction of this software is expected to allow the public to access cast vote records (CVRs) and ballots within 60 days after elections. What’s more, this service will cost the public around $40, giving them a more affordable option compared to the $750 it would take to manually remove names. On the surface, this sounds like a win-win situation, but not everyone is on board with this decision.

Concerns were raised by passionate locals, Cynde Wiley and Cathie Viens, who challenged the software purchase, questioning both the transparency of the process and the legality behind redacting essential voting information. They emphasized that the public’s right to access information regarding their ballots might be hampered by the new software.

Public Interest vs. Privacy Rights

Cynde Wiley particularly focused on state law, the constitution, and case law, arguing that the public’s right to information should supersede any attempt to keep information about ballots under wraps. She warned that by redacting key information from the public eye, the county would essentially deny citizens their legal right to audit their votes, as mandated by federal and state laws.

Another concerned citizen, Cathie Viens, referred to the software expenditure as “frivolous”. She went on to question the commission’s understanding regarding what information the software intends to redact. Specifically, she mentioned details such as the voting precinct, precinct location, election judge’s signature, and ballot number. Viens challenged the commissioners, asking how these details could be so sensitive that they needed to be redacted.

No Response from Commissioners

At the end of the day, the commissioners had little to say in response to the citizen comments during their public meeting. This lack of engagement may have left some attendees wanting more from their locally elected officials. Meanwhile, general counsel Bruce Erratt explained that removing names and other sensitive information is standard practice, according to guidance from both the attorney general’s office and the secretary of state’s office.

The elections administrator, Trudy Hancock, confirmed reports that some citizens had indeed requested access to their votes reflected in the CVRs, highlighting that there is a growing demand for such transparency in the electoral process.

Future Discussions and Community Goals

Fred Brown, that would focus on improving governmental efficiency. This initiative reflects a continued effort from local officials to respond to community needs while enhancing how the county operates.

As Brazos County navigates these pressing issues, the community’s active participation exemplifies a vibrant local democracy. And while some citizens seek transparency in the redaction of election records, others are rallying together for a different cause. There is currently a fundraising effort underway to support Bryan police detective Frank Beardsley, who has faced incredible hardships recently as his wife remains hospitalized and the family mourns the loss of their son, Easton Beardsley, in a tragic car crash.

In the community of Brazos County, the conversation continues. Are residents right to question the software purchase? Will the new initiatives proposed by the commissioners bring about beneficial change? Only time will tell as the locals hold their officials accountable and continue to advocate for what they believe is best for their county.