Bryan Residents Reassured on Election Integrity and Voter Trust Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Bryan Ensures Voter Confidence Ahead of Upcoming Elections

In a recent gathering at the Phillips Event Center in Bryan, residents learned about the upcoming elections from Trudy Hancock, the Election Administrator of Brazos County. The meeting, organized by the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee, aimed to reassure voters regarding the security and integrity of the voting process. Hancock emphasized that despite the talk of fraudulent elections elsewhere, Brazos County maintains a safe and reliable voting system.

Building Trust in the Voting Process

As she addressed attendees, Hancock highlighted the importance of trust in electoral outcomes. “It’s fundamental that candidates and voters clearly understand who the winner and loser are,” she noted. The committee co-chair, Phil Shackelford, echoed her sentiments, urging that “facts are facts and opinions are opinions.” This reassurance comes at a time when many citizens are concerned about election integrity.

The presentation kicked off with Hancock recalling the history of her office, which was established in 2016. Since then, the number of registered voters has significantly increased, boasting 132,148 registered voters as of now, compared to just over 89,000 when she first joined. This upward trend indicates not only a growing interest in civic engagement but also Hancock’s commitment to keeping voters informed.

Addressing Concerns About Voter Purges

One topic that stirred questions was the recent news about the state purging a million voters. Hancock reassured the audience that this number spanned a four-year period, with her office actively managing the voter rolls daily. “Every county in Texas does daily list maintenance,” she explained. “We address new applications, process cancellations for deceased voters, and more.” This proactive approach helps maintain a current and accurate voter database.

Since the start of the year, Hancock reported an impressive 7,884 changes have been made to the voter rolls, which include address and name changes, cancellations, and updates due to deceased individuals. This level of cross-referencing combined with in-house management contributes to a secure and smooth voting experience.

Safe Voting Equipment and Procedures

Another focus of Hancock’s presentation was the meticulous care taken in preparing ballots and programming scanners. “Everything is done in-house,” she clarified, stating that this method contributes to greater *security*. By controlling the processes, the team minimizes the risk of external interference. Voters can cast their ballots at any location within the county, with ballots tailored specifically to their precincts.

Hancock explained the rigorous testing of voting equipment, mentioning that it undergoes validation tests three times before, during, and after the election. “The results of all three tests must match,” she emphasized, underscoring the diligence practiced to uphold election integrity. Election judges work hard on the big day, meticulously documenting everything from ballots issued to counts completed.

Post-Election Audits and Voter Support

A keen eye is kept on mail-in ballots as well. An early voting ballot board scrutinizes these submissions, checking signatures and personal identifiers against voter applications. This ensures fairness and accuracy, with all rejected ballots communicated back to voters.

As election results come in, Hancock explained that the Secretary of State requires a hand count from three specific precincts, while Brazos County voluntarily conducts checks on three additional precincts for added assurance. Hancock mentioned, “It’s not unusual for us to have more ballot requests than votes cast,” which can happen for various reasons, including confusion about ballots and receipt processes.

A Call to Verify

With her office motto being “trust but verify,” Hancock encourages voters to double-check their printed ballots before submission. “If something looks off, notify the election judge.” Her ultimate goal is to foster confidence among voters and to ensure everyone understands the voting landscape.

For more information on local elections, residents can visit brazosvotes.org. As the elections approach, it’s crucial that residents stay involved and informed to ensure their voices are heard.