In a recent meeting of the Collin County Toll Road Authority, significant discussions centered around the approval of a maintenance contract for election equipment, highlighting concerns over financial responsibility and compliance with new legislative changes. The meeting, held on June 9, 2025, featured public comments from Lee Moore, who urged the court to delay the approval of a $566,618 contract with Election Systems and Software (ES&S) until potential new federal and state requirements are clarified.

Moore emphasized that Collin County taxpayers have already invested $13.5 million in ballot marking devices (BMDs), which she described as "expensive pens" that do not produce legally readable ballots. She pointed out that recent legislative changes, including Senate Bill 2753, which eliminates the three-day gap between early voting and Election Day, could render some of the equipment unnecessary. Moore called for a thorough review of the contract to ensure alignment with these new requirements and suggested including an escape clause to delay the contract until after the legislature finalizes its election bill.

In response to public concerns, the court discussed the necessity of maintaining a subset of BMDs to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which mandates accessibility for voters with disabilities. Elections Administrator Caleb Roe confirmed that while the county would still need approximately 300 BMDs, the overall costs associated with the election equipment could be lower than previously anticipated.

The court ultimately moved to adopt hand-marked paper ballots for the upcoming November elections, directing staff to present an implementation plan by June 23. This decision reflects a shift towards more traditional voting methods while still addressing compliance with federal regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the court expressed confidence in the ability of the elections staff to conduct the November elections effectively, despite the tight deadlines and logistical challenges ahead. The discussions underscored the importance of fiscal responsibility and adaptability in the face of evolving election laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.