During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding election security and the adequacy of audits in Ford County. Senator Thompson expressed frustration over the absence of the clerk, who was expected to address questions about the transfer of election materials. He highlighted the importance of using watermarked paper and tracking seals with serial numbers to prevent tampering, noting that the current practices were insufficient.

The committee discussed the potential need for an audit in November, with some members advocating for it to reassure the public about the integrity of elections. Representative Williams suggested that instead of an immediate audit, a review of election laws could be conducted after the general election. However, several committee members, including Representative Tarwat, emphasized the necessity of proceeding with the audit to ensure transparency and trust in the electoral process.

Concerns were also raised about discrepancies in the poll books, with one member pointing out that even a single vote discrepancy is significant. The committee agreed to move forward with the November audit, with suggestions to modify the audit process to include checks on valid voters and compliance with new election laws.

Senator Thompson proposed that the audit should include formal notification to ensure all necessary materials are available, preventing issues encountered in previous audits. The committee unanimously approved the conceptual audit, directing staff to prepare a proposal for further review. The meeting concluded with a transition to discuss the Tax Increment Financing Report, indicating a shift in focus from election integrity to financial matters.