In a recent meeting on July 15, 2025, the Grayson County Commissioners took significant steps to enhance election security and compliance with federal mandates. The court unanimously approved a resolution to accept a $42,500 grant from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which will be supplemented by a local match of $8,500 from state funds. This funding is aimed at addressing new requirements for voting systems following an executive order issued by former President Trump.

Julie Phillips, the elections administrator, outlined the implications of the executive order, which prohibits the use of barcodes on ballots and mandates compliance with new standards set by the Elections Assistance Commission (EAC). Currently, Grayson County's voting system includes barcodes, which will need to be replaced to meet the new regulations. The county's voting system provider has proposed a solution involving a ballot on demand printer that generates compliant ballots without barcodes, although the cost for this equipment is estimated at $113,720.

The approval of the HAVA grant is crucial for Grayson County as it seeks to ensure secure and verifiable voting options for residents while adhering to federal guidelines. The total funding from the grant and local match will help offset the costs associated with upgrading the county's election equipment. The deadline to utilize these funds is July 1, 2026, emphasizing the urgency of implementing these changes.

This decision reflects the county's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its electoral process and ensuring that residents can participate in elections with confidence in the security of their votes. As Grayson County moves forward, the focus will be on securing the necessary equipment and ensuring compliance with evolving election laws.