Voter integrity questioned

LANEVILLE – Laneville ISD certified its election results Thursday night, even as residents questioned the integrity of a bond measure that passed by just 16 votes and urged the board to delay the decision. On Saturday, May 2, Laneville ISD’s $8.5 million bond that aims to improve facilities, safety, and infrastructure while also supporting the district’s educational environment passed with 53% of the vote.

Laneville ISD Bond Vote
149/52.84% voted FOR the bond measure, while 133/47.16% voted AGAINST it.

Voters argue the election lacked basic ballot security, saying the makeshift box failed to meet Texas Election Code standards and left ballots easily accessible — a flaw they believe undermines the integrity of the entire election.

“It had a hole cut in like a shoe box, so we put it in the box, and we walked away. I didn’t feel good about it. I believe there was harvesting, that’s something that came into my thoughts. I have no evidence of that, but I need a response from them because they just certified a vote, and we have yet to receive the information,” Laneville resident, Barbara Nichols said.

At least three people tell KETK News that they have filed a complaint with the Texas Secretary of State.
Yet, Superintendent Dr. William Paul told KETK News he believes the election went smoothly but will look into the allegations.

“We take all the concerns from citizens or taxpayers seriously. Anything that’s brought to our attention, we look into and make sure that, hey, number one, did we do it right? Number two, is there a misunderstanding? Number three, is there anything we can do differently next time? That’s our response,” Paul said.

Paul said if there is an investigation launched by the Secretary of State, the district will cooperate fully. In the meantime, Paul is excited to bring in the new facilities for their students.