The Lubbock County Commissioners' Court Work Session on June 27, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding election equipment and upcoming legislative changes affecting voting procedures.

A key discussion point was the impact of a recent executive order from President Trump, which mandates new guidelines for voting systems. Currently, Lubbock County's equipment does not meet these guidelines, and there is uncertainty about how this will affect future elections. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is expected to respond by August, but the lack of compliant equipment nationwide raises concerns about potential lawsuits and the need for equipment replacement. The county's current voting systems utilize character recognition technology and do not read barcodes, which may complicate compliance with the new standards.

Commissioners also discussed the trend among larger counties, such as Williamson and Collin, to adopt "ballot on demand" systems. This method allows voters to print their ballots upon check-in, which is then marked by hand and scanned, maintaining an audit trail similar to existing systems. The transition to this method is seen as a proactive measure in anticipation of forthcoming legislation.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the implications of a new law that will change how early voting results are reported. Starting in 2027, early voting numbers will be released simultaneously with election day totals, which may affect how election night events are organized.

The session concluded with discussions about training for poll workers and the logistical challenges of managing election equipment and facilities. The county aims to recruit more high school students as poll workers to bolster staffing for upcoming elections.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's preparedness for upcoming changes in election procedures while addressing the challenges posed by new federal guidelines and the need for updated voting technology.