Can Mandated Changes to the 2022 Nov. General Election Process Restore Trust?

SAN ANGELO – Tom Green County Commissioners Tuesday have five agenda items pertaining to changes to the general election process on Nov. 8, 2022 which could make the all-important election different than any other.  Will the mandated changes restore trust in election outcomes lost in 2020?  

While there have been no serious concerns voiced about election integrity in Tom Green County, accusations of voter fraud and a stolen presidential election across the country have polarized the electorate since 2020.  

Former President Donald Trump and millions of his supporters say the previous election was stolen.  Joe Biden and his supporters say 2020 was the most secure and fair election in history.  Nevertheless, Texas Gov. Abbott and the Legislature passed the election integrity law which mandated chances to the election process in Texas.  

Charges of stolen elections in modern American history go back to the Presidential of 2000, where Republican George W. Bush won the election over Democrat Al Gore.  The nationwide election boiled down to Florida which Bush eventually won.  Democrats were the first in modern history to cry foul in a Presidential election they lost.  

Long time Tom Green County Elections Administrator Vona Hudson continues to lead the election process in the county with the trust and respect of Democrats and Republicans and elected officials through the current wave of nationwide election uncertainty.  

The most notable agenda item Tuesday is to create a central counting location. The agenda calls for 'considering the establishment of a Central Counting Station for the Nov. 8, 2022 election and appoint a Central Counting Station Judge, Central Counting Station Alternate Judge, Central Counting Station Manager, Tabulation Supervisor and approve assistants to the Tabulation Supervisor.'

The other agenda items pertaining to the general election include officially ordering the election to be held on Nov. 2; consider polling locations and the number of election clerks; appointing presiding and alternate election judges; and take any necessary action on a 'Welcome Voter Kiosk.'

The Tom Green County Commissioners Court meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room on the second floor of the Keyes Building at 113 W. Beauregard.  Regular Commissioners meetings are open to the public.