In a recent meeting held on July 15, 2025, the Grayson County government discussed critical updates regarding election security and funding opportunities under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The meeting highlighted the need for enhanced security measures for election-related properties, including controlled access to various election office areas.

The discussion centered around a grant that would allow for improved physical security, which includes securing doors to the elections office, equipment warehouse, ballot room vault, and staff entrances. This initiative aims to bolster the integrity of the electoral process in Grayson County, addressing growing concerns about election security.

Commissioner Marsh proposed a motion to accept a resolution that would enable the county to opt into HAVA funding, which requires a 20% match from local resources. This funding could potentially cover costs associated with ballot-on-demand printing, a necessary upgrade to comply with recent executive orders eliminating outdated printing methods. The estimated cost for this upgrade is approximately $913,000.

The meeting also clarified that the resolution would serve as a notice to the state, indicating the county's intention to pursue the available HAVA funds. The discussions revealed that if the grant for ballot-on-demand printers is not approved, the county could explore alternative security measures, including controlled access systems.

An important procedural point raised during the meeting was the need to appoint a single point of contact to liaise with the Secretary of State's office regarding the grant. The election administrator was identified as the appropriate representative for this role.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing election security and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. As Grayson County moves forward with these initiatives, the focus will remain on safeguarding the electoral process and addressing any potential vulnerabilities. The next steps will involve further exploration of security options and the submission of necessary documentation to secure the HAVA funding.