Wilco returning to countywide voting Speakers cite frustation during March 3 primary
GEORGETOWN — The Williamson County Republican Party has agreed to return to countywide balloting for the May runoff after voters cited chaos and confusion at the polls March 3.
The GOP had asked for, and the Williamson County Democratic Party agreed to, precinct-specific polling during the March primary, meaning voters could no longer cast a ballot at any polling location of their choice.
The agreement reached Tuesday returns the electorate to the longstanding system of voting where convenient, so long as they are registered.
During a packed session of the Williamson County Commissioners Court Tuesday, nearly 30 residents signed up to air their grievances about the primary election, while
“
“We take accountability for the successes and failures over which we had total control.”
–– Michelle Evans, Williamson County GOP the chairwomen of both parties agreed it was time to move forward for the May 26 runoffs.
“We take accountability for the successes and failures over which we had total control. Our county executive committee is committed to continuing a thorough analysis of what we as a party could have done differently and better. Our ultimate job is to support voters and candidates,” Williamson County Republican Party Chairwoman Michelle Evans said.
Democratic Party Chairwoman Kim Gilby spoke after Evans.
She acknowledged the Democrats had not wanted to share polling locations with the Republicans “because we knew they were going to use preprinted ballots and their own ballot boxes,” Gilby said, noting she considered this a problem.
Democrats used electronic balloting instead of the paper ballots favored by the GOP.
Standing before the commissioners, both Gilby and Evans discussed voting day issues and concerns, from technological glitches to a lack of signs and supplies.
“I don’t like to play the blame game. It gets you nowhere,” Gilby said. “We need to work towards a solution.”
Twenty-eight speakers — most of them identifying as Democrats — addressed the commissioners during the public-comment section, with many placing the blame for the election difficulties squarely at Evans’ feet.
Evans said the Williamson County GOP’s decision to conduct precinct-level voting on primary election day caused unintended problems. Moving forward, both parties look forward to once again sharing polling locations.
“It’s better for the voter,” Evans said.
In the future, Gilby said, “We can both do better.”
“We’re committed to turning out the vote and to supporting candidates. Those are our core functions,” Evans said.
During the March primary, speakers said they encountered frustration as they waited in lines for two or three hours and were turned away for showing up to the wrong voting location.
Evans said the GOP was trying to ensure voter protections at the ballot box.
“Our county executive committee desired to return to precinct-level voting for several years, but we never had the opportunity to participate in the contracting process,” Evans said. “Ballot secrecy, community engagement and the option to use preprinted paper ballots were factors (in that decision).”
She acknowledged the move backfired.
“Our constituents voiced frustration and dissatisfaction, as did some candidates,” Evans said. “Our job is to listen to them. Additionally, many external influences had a negative impact on how March 3 went and those influences could not be changed between now and May 26.”
The change March 3 set the stage for potential Texas Supreme Court action after a state district judge ordered polling places in Georgetown to remain open after the 7 p.m. cutoff March 3. A resolution has not been announced.
While countywide voting is returning, the paper ballot will still be in use, according to Evans.
“Our county adopted a print-on-demand ballot system (in 2025) and we will use that system,” she said. “We will have the required accessible voting systems at each location for (Americans with Disabilities Act) use.”
County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo also spoke during the meeting.
Dallas County also went to party-specific polling sites March 3, but representatives of the political affiliations there have also agreed to resume countywide voting.
Chlapek is at Jason.chlapek@ granitemediapartners. com and Treadway is at Emily. [email protected].
“
“I don’t like to play the blame game.”
–– Kim Gilby, Williamson County Democratic Party
