Dallas, December 31, 2025
The Dallas County Republican Party has decided to abandon its plan to hand-count ballots for the upcoming primary, opting to use electronic voting equipment instead. This decision comes after difficulties in recruiting enough personnel and facing logistical challenges. By utilizing the county’s electronic system, the party aims for timely reporting of election results while adhering to state law.
Dallas County Republicans Abandon Plan to Hand-Count Ballots in March Primary
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas County Republican Party has decided to abandon its plan to hand-count ballots in the upcoming March 3 primary, opting instead to use the county’s electronic voting equipment. Party Chairman Allen West cited challenges in recruiting sufficient personnel and logistical issues as primary reasons for the reversal.
Decision to Abandon Hand-Counting
After months of preparation, the Dallas County Republican Party announced on December 30, 2025, that it would not proceed with the hand-counting of ballots for the March 3 primary. The decision was made due to difficulties in recruiting the necessary number of workers and addressing logistical challenges associated with the manual counting process. This move means that the party will utilize the county’s electronic voting equipment to tally votes, ensuring compliance with Texas law, which mandates that vote totals be submitted to the state within 24 hours after polls close.
Background of the Hand-Counting Plan
In September 2025, the Dallas County Republican Party voted to explore the possibility of hand-counting ballots for the March 3 primary. The plan aimed to address concerns about the reliability of electronic voting machines. However, the initiative faced significant hurdles, including the need for a large number of trained workers and the logistical complexities of conducting a manual count. Despite raising over $400,000 to fund the effort and recruiting more than 1,000 workers, the party was unable to secure the required 3,000 workers needed to conduct the hand count on Election Day. Additionally, the logistics of managing the hand count, such as equipment needs and printing ballots with numerous races, proved to be more challenging than anticipated. As a result, the party has decided to revert to using the county’s electronic voting system for the upcoming primary.
Implications for the March Primary
The decision to abandon the hand-counting plan means that both the Republican and Democratic parties will use the county’s electronic voting equipment for the March 3 primary. This approach aligns with the standard election procedures in Dallas County and ensures that vote totals can be reported within the required timeframe. The change also addresses concerns about potential delays in reporting election results, which could have occurred if the hand-counting process had been implemented. Both parties are expected to finalize contracts with the Dallas County Elections Department to conduct their primaries using the electronic voting system.
Conclusion
The Dallas County Republican Party’s decision to abandon its plan to hand-count ballots in the March 3 primary reflects the complexities and challenges associated with manual vote counting. By opting to use the county’s electronic voting equipment, the party aims to ensure a more efficient and timely election process, adhering to state requirements and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.
FAQ
Why did the Dallas County Republican Party decide to abandon the hand-counting plan?
The party faced challenges in recruiting sufficient personnel and addressing logistical issues associated with the manual counting process, leading to the decision to revert to using the county’s electronic voting equipment.
What were the initial plans for the March 3 primary?
The Dallas County Republican Party initially planned to hand-count ballots for the March 3 primary, aiming to address concerns about the reliability of electronic voting machines.
How will the March 3 primary be conducted now?
Both the Republican and Democratic parties will use the county’s electronic voting equipment for the March 3 primary, ensuring compliance with state law and timely reporting of vote totals.
What challenges did the party encounter with the hand-counting plan?
The party encountered difficulties in recruiting the necessary number of trained workers and managing the logistical complexities of conducting a manual count, including equipment needs and ballot printing.
What are the implications of this decision for the upcoming primary?
The decision to abandon the hand-counting plan ensures that the primary will proceed using the standard electronic voting system, allowing for efficient and timely reporting of election results.
Key Features of the Dallas County Republican Party’s Decision
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Plan | Hand-counting ballots for the March 3 primary to address concerns about electronic voting machines. |
| Challenges Faced | Difficulty in recruiting sufficient personnel and managing logistical complexities of manual counting. |
| Final Decision | Abandoning the hand-counting plan and opting to use the county’s electronic voting equipment for the primary. |
| Implications | Ensures compliance with state law and timely reporting of election results using standard election procedures. |
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