In a pivotal meeting on June 23, 2025, the Collin County Commissioners Court engaged in a spirited discussion about the integrity of election processes, focusing on the transition to hand-marked paper ballots. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as community members voiced their opinions on the future of voting in the county.

One speaker highlighted significant concerns regarding the reliability of touchscreen voting systems, citing a study that revealed a staggering 18% of voters fail to verify their selections, even with reminders. This alarming statistic underscored the potential for errors in electronic voting, where barcodes could misrepresent voter intent. The speaker passionately argued that hand-marked ballots offer a foolproof method for ensuring that every vote is accurately counted, emphasizing that these ballots are inherently 100% verifiable by citizens.

Another resident, Avis Novak, commended the commissioners for their proactive decision to implement ballot-on-demand printers. She praised this move as a cost-effective strategy that aligns with upcoming federal guidelines, which will prohibit storing votes in barcodes or QR codes. Novak's remarks reflected a broader sentiment of gratitude towards the court for prioritizing election integrity while being fiscally responsible.

Lee Moore, another advocate for hand-marked ballots, expressed her excitement over the commissioners' recent vote to adopt this method starting in November. She articulated the importance of transparency and trust in elections, noting that hand-marked ballots eliminate the risk of technological malfunctions that could compromise voter intent. Moore's comments resonated with many in the audience, who have long sought reforms to ensure fair and efficient elections.

Shannon Waller further reinforced the argument for hand-marked ballots by discussing the critical gaps in the audit trails of ballot marking devices. She pointed out that while these devices may produce seemingly legitimate ballots, there is no way to verify if they accurately reflect the voters' choices. Waller's insights highlighted the need for a reliable audit trail, which hand-marked ballots provide by directly linking voter intent to the final count.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the shift towards hand-marked paper ballots in Collin County represents a significant step towards enhancing election integrity. The commissioners' decision not only addresses community concerns but also positions the county as a leader in adopting best practices for secure and trustworthy elections. The discussions held during this meeting will likely shape the future of voting in Collin County, ensuring that every citizen's voice is accurately represented.