In a charged atmosphere at the Collin County Commissioners Court, residents voiced their concerns over a potential shift back to hand-marked ballots, a move some fear could undermine the integrity and accessibility of elections. Roxy Ditloff, a Plano resident, passionately argued against the proposal, emphasizing the importance of technology in ensuring accurate and efficient voting processes. “Humans are not perfect and cannot possibly be as accurate nor as fast as machines,” she stated, highlighting the risks of human error in manual voting.

Ditloff's remarks resonated with many in the room, as she questioned whether the push for hand-marked ballots was a strategic move to suppress voter turnout in a county that has been trending Democratic. “Marking ballots by hand will result in longer lines aimed at discouraging voters,” she warned, urging the commissioners to reconsider the implications of such a decision.

The discussion took an unexpected turn when Commissioner Susan Hayes Fletcher clarified a mix-up regarding her name with another local figure, Susan Henderson Fletcher, a psychologist. This clarification was necessary to dispel any confusion about her professional background, as she emphasized her expertise in commercial construction rather than psychology.

As the meeting progressed, Tara Schulte, the Texas state director of Citizens Defending Freedom, took the floor, reinforcing the notion that voting is a fundamental right designed with care by the nation’s founders. Her comments echoed the sentiments of those advocating for modern voting methods, underscoring the need for a system that upholds the democratic process.

The meeting highlighted a pivotal moment for Collin County, as the commissioners weigh the balance between tradition and technological advancement in their electoral processes. With passionate voices from the community urging them to maintain the integrity of voting, the future of Collin County's elections hangs in the balance, prompting a critical examination of how best to serve its citizens.