As the first week of early voting neared its end, Williamson County officials found themselves grappling with an unexpected logistical issue: a shortage of secure ballot boxes.
Election Systems & Software (ES&S), the vendor responsible for supplying the secure boxes, had initially committed to delivering 305 units to accommodate voters during early voting and on Election Day. However, by this week, only 65 of these boxes had arrived, sparking concerns about potential disruptions in the election process.
With early voting underway and more citizens turning out each day, the dwindling supply of ballot boxes threatened to create backups in the voting process. The shortage increased the risk of delays, especially during the high-traffic periods expected later in early voting and Election Day.
Like many election-related disputes, Williamson County landed in court over the shortage. Now, the county and election watchdogs have reached a solution.
To address the situation, county officials decided to use approved election-day canvas bags to fill the gap left by the missing ballot boxes. The canvas bags are also lockable and tamper proof.
Williamson County GOP Chairman Michelle Evans praised the remedy, saying it was implemented “quickly and without disrupting the process or compromising election security.”
According to election watchdog group Advancing Integrity, the solution will address concerns about the election’s integrity and efficiency and ensure voters are not disenfranchised.
Christine Welborn, president of Advancing Integrity, said, “With the current mistrust in election machines and vendors, in this case ES&S are not doing themselves any favors. Jamming scanners, technical issues, and this massive failure to supply ballot boxes could lead to their downfall.”
During the 2022 election, voters in Arizona faced massive issues related to machine glitches. These delays were seen as disproportionately impacting Republicans, who historically turn out in greater numbers on Election Day.
The ES&S system used in Williamson County has voters make ballot selections on a screen. The system then prints the ballot, which the voter reviews. The voter then puts it into a counter, which drops it into the proprietary boxes in question.
Texas Scorecard contacted the Williamson County Elections office for comment and will update this story if a response is received.
