2025-005 Vote Centers November 15, 2024 Report No. 2025-005
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Resolution encouraging the Denton County Commissioners Court to adopt countywide vote
centers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 17, 2023, Council Member McGee presented a two-minute pitch to consider a
resolution encouraging the Denton County Commissioners Court to establish countywide vote
centers. The Council did not reach the necessary consensus of six Council Members to place the
proposal on a future agenda as a resolution. However, the Council directed staff to gather
additional information to present back to the Council.
BACKGROUND:
"Vote center" is a term used to define a model of voting where a voter can cast their vote at any
Election Day polling location instead of just the one that is assigned to their voting precinct. In
Texas, it is also called the Countywide Polling Place Program.
In 2009, the Texas Legislature authorized the Countywide Polling Place Program, which enables
participating counties to allow voting at any polling location on Election Day. Until 2021, Denton
County was precluded from participating because any participating county must exclusively use
direct recording electronic (DRE) voting systems at all polling places. While Denton County has
utilized a paper voting system since 2017, it is eligible to participate in the Countywide Polling
Place Program.
Currently,Denton County voters can cast their vote at any Early Voting location in the County but
must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day.
DISCUSSION:
To implement a countywide voting program, Denton County must submit an application to the
State following the guidelines outlined in Texas Election Code Section 43.007. As of September
2024, the County expressed no intentions to pursue this program.
CONCLUSION:
The City does not have the authority to compel the County to participate in the Countywide Polling
Place Program; thus, further consideration of this proposal is not recommended.
STAFF CONTACT:
Kristi Fogle
Chief of Staff
Kristi.Fogle@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8565
REQUESTOR: Council Member Brandon McGee
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 2.5 hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: City Manager's Office, City Secretary's Office