The Collin County Commissioners Court convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding election security and the maintenance contract for election equipment. The meeting began with a focus on the proposed maintenance contract with ES and S, valued at over $500,000, which is part of a larger budget of $370 million.
A key point of discussion was the request to delay the approval of this contract until after the Texas legislature finalizes election-related bills, particularly Senate Bill 2753. This bill addresses a significant concern regarding the three-day gap between early voting and election day, which could impact the necessity of the maintenance services being contracted. The speaker emphasized that committing taxpayer dollars to services that may become redundant or require costly modifications poses a financial risk.
The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning the maintenance contract with potential new federal and state requirements, especially in light of President Trump's Executive Order 14248, which mandates that all election machines must not use barcodes or QR codes and must meet current Election Assistance Commission (EAC) standards by September 21, 2025. The speaker pointed out that none of the ES and S machines are currently certified to meet these standards, raising concerns about compliance and the potential for financial exposure if the machines fail to meet the requirements.
Additionally, the speaker urged the inclusion of an escape clause in the contract, which would allow for the recovery of taxpayer funds if the voting machines do not meet federal compliance standards by the deadline. This recommendation was framed as a necessary protective measure given the tight timeline and the potential risks involved.
The meeting also included public support for the presidential executive order, emphasizing the need for transparency in elections and the shift towards hand-marked paper ballots as a means to enhance election integrity. The speaker noted that recent findings in election security highlight the increasing risks associated with electronic voting systems.
The session concluded with the adjournment of the Commissioners Court, transitioning into discussions related to the Collin Health Care Foundation. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure election security and fiscal responsibility in Collin County, with significant implications for upcoming elections.