New Committee Seeks Input on Smith County Election Process

TYLER — A new committee has been tasked to take a proactive approach to planning for all Smith County election events, according to county officials. According to a news release, the Smith County Election Preparation Committee (EPC) will meet Wednesday to discuss what is currently working within the Smith County election process, what aspects can be improved, and what goals can be set for the future as Smith County continues to grow. “We want to look at each election event from the moment the voting machines are turned on to the moment the final tally is submitted to the state,” Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson said.

Members of the EPC have been tasked with meeting before every local election to discuss relevant issues, go over emergency procedures, and plan for the anticipated needs of that particular election. Members of the committee will meet Wednesday to plan for the May 10 municipal and independent school district elections. But officials say they’re welcoming comments from the public about the Smith County election process including, but not limited to, voting locations and accessibility, access to voting information, and availability of election results.

Committee members include representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties of Smith County, the Smith County Elections Board, and Smith County staff members who are directly involved in the elections process. “We believe opening the lines of communication and taking a proactive approach to planning for each election event will result in increased efficiency and smoother delivery of results on a consistent basis,” County Judge Joel Baker said. The public is invited to view more information about the election process and upcoming election events on the Smith County Elections Web page at http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections/Default.aspx or send any comments or suggestions concerning the Smith County election process to comments@smith-county.com.