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In order to alleviate any misconceptions or fears over the ongoing election I would like to say that I believe there is a lot of hyperbole and unfounded angst over what I feel is a "non-issue" in the neighborhood - that being the potential for voter fraud and dis-enfranchisement of votes. The social media posts around the matter appear just to be meant to "stir the pot" and question the integrity of the process (and by the way the management staff of the office). We in the office take our jobs very seriously, and remain neutral throughout the process.
To date - there have been just about a dozen people who have effectively changed their vote for a director. It's a non-issue. Now if there were a large percentage of subsequent ballots coming in for a multitude of addresses then that would be a cause for concern, but that is simply not the case. I think people need to remember if they consider submitting a fake ballot (as a test, a joke, or with malicious intent) with a fellow homeowner's forged signature on it - or one online purporting to be someone they are not - that is a crime (forgery / identity theft). Are there really any homeowners in Hackberry Creek willing to commit a crime just to vote "twice" or "test" the system? I would like to think absolutely not.
When we receive mailed-in ballots and decal order forms, they come with a unique label specific to that address that was on the form we mailed to that specific homeowner. No one else has that label. It also was preprinted with their address. That is how we identify it to that household. When someone comes in the office to turn in a ballot and to get decals without their paperwork - we require proof of ownership of their vehicle (insurance/registration - i.e. identification) - thus we know the individual is who they say they are. When an individual submits a ballot online, they must log-in as a registered homeowner (identifiable), submit their name, address, email and phone number.
As stated before - it is impossible for someone to have their votes counted twice or multiple votes turned in for the same address. Ballot names and signatures must match our records and in the case of a discrepancy we go to DCAD to verify all names on the tax records. If there is a discrepancy, we contact the homeowner by email and mail.
The ballots to date that have been "changed" were due to:
- wrong signature / missing signature
- voted for too many candidates
- they made a correction on the ballot and failed to initial it.
- correction of a vote previously cast
Less than a dozen residents have actually changed who they initially voted for regarding the Board election. A few more (approximately a dozen) have changed their minds on their vote for the special assessment and approval of meeting minutes.
There should be no uncertainty regarding the integrity of the election and I hope the social media hyperbole soon comes to an end. There is a lot of passion surrounding the election. Passion for what or who you believe in is a wonderful thing, but zeal un-tempered by restraint and decorum comes across as impetuousness and fanaticism - and that rarely produces converts. A wise old friend (board member of a non-profit in another state) once told me - "It's a free Country... you can tell anyone anything you want however you want to tell it - but if you want them to listen to you, you better tell it to them how they want to hear it."
I hope that brings some calm, clarity and confidence to the issue of the election process and procedure.
Sincerely,
Randy Smith
Village Manager
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