A California-based election services company is imposing additional fees on several large Texas counties, causing election officials to urgently find ways to cover the surcharges to maintain their voter registration system ahead of the state's primary runoff elections next month.
Multiple Texas counties rely on VOTEC for software to manage their voter registration system. The company has recently requested these jurisdictions to pay extra fees. VOTEC has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
According to a report by the nonprofit news outlet Votebeat, VOTEC informed the counties about a 'one-time' surcharge due to some counties falling behind in payments. The company cited financial pressures stemming from issues with its payroll and health insurance provider.
Harris County, which encompasses Houston and is the most populous county in Texas, received new charges amounting to $120,000. The county plans to settle the payment promptly as it heavily relies on the software provided by VOTEC. Collin County, including Dallas' suburbs, was charged $42,341.
The Texas Secretary of State's office stated that it is in discussions with the affected counties, offering guidance on how to address the situation.
VOTEC is one of only three authorized providers of voter registration software in Texas. Its software is utilized by 32 counties in the state. The company also offers its services in Illinois and Nevada, where no surcharges have been reported.
