FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2022
Harris County GOP Sends Letter Addressing Elections Administrator’s Latest Attempted Breach of Contract
GOP Chair Asks Lina Hidalgo Why She Neglected to Include Isabel Longoria’s Resignation on Election Commission Agenda
HOUSTON – Earlier today, the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria via the County Attorney’s office regarding the Elections Administrator’s delay in proposing a fair and honest list of polling locations for the May 24 primary runoff election, according to what’s required by the contract.
The terms of the contract between the Harris County GOP and the Harris County Election Administrator specifically state that there will be 375 polls for both the primary and the primary runoff.
However, on March 24, the Harris County GOP received a list of 260 polling locations suggested for use in the runoff from the Harris County Administrator’s office. The county has suggested almost a 30% reduction in polling locations from the 375 polling locations used for the March 1 primary election. Additionally, several of the polling locations on the proposed list were not used for the March 1 primary.
“The Harris County GOP has asked the Elections Administrator’s office to explain why the original list of 375 polling locations is not being used as stated in our contract with Harris County – but we still have not received an explanation,” Harris County Republican Party Chairman Cindy Siegel said. “We believe such a significant reduction in polling locations for the primary runoff will cause voter confusion and suppress voter turnout on May 24. The letter we sent today simply states our desire to follow the terms of the contract.”
“Any comments that the Harris County Republican Party is responsible for delaying the decision for Election Day polling locations for the May 24 Primary Runoff are simply false and meant to deter voters from the confusion and incompetence the current Elections Administrator has proven she is capable of,” Siegel continued.
In today’s County Election Commission Meeting, County Judge Lina Hidalgo neglected to include the resignation from Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria on the formal agenda. Thus, the Commission has not formally accepted the resignation submitted by Longoria on March 8, which she requested to take effect on July 1.
“Why did Judge Hidalgo not include Longoria’s submitted resignation on the official agenda for the Commission to approve?” Siegel asked. “It’s a simple question, and the public deserves transparency, but yet again, rather than respond, Hidalgo’s excuse is that it was ‘okay with the attorneys.'”
Background
Click here for the Harris County GOP’s letter regarding runoff polling locations.
Click here for the Harris County GOP’s press release on Longoria’s resignation following the March 1 election failures.
Click here for the Houston Chronicle’s editorial: “Sorry, Dems. Republicans aren’t to blame for Harris County election woes.”
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