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In August 2025, Hopkins County took a bold step toward strengthening election integrity by approving the creation of an Elections Administration Office, as announced during the Commissioners Court meeting on August 26, 2025. This new office, led by an Election Administrator, aims to ensure that every vote in Hopkins County is counted accurately, transparently, and without interference. With applications for the Election Administrator position open through September 12, 2025, Hopkins County is calling on dedicated individuals to serve their community by ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient elections. This initiative responds to growing concerns about voter fraud in Texas while reinforcing public confidence that every legal vote counts and will not be trashed, switched, or otherwise uncounted.
Election integrity is the cornerstone of the Republic of Texas, upheld through our thriving democratic process—ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in election outcomes. In Texas, where voting is based on an honor system with historically limited safeguards, maintaining trust in the electoral process is paramount. The Texas Election Code defines election fraud as any attempt to subvert or manipulate the electoral process by illegal means, including illegal voting, vote harvesting, and voter assistance fraud. Such actions undermine the principle of “one citizen, one vote,” eroding public confidence. The creation of Hopkins County’s Elections Administration Office addresses these concerns head-on, providing robust oversight to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.
Voter confidence hinges on the assurance that ballots are secure and counted as intended. Texas law mandates measures like signature matching, tamper-evident ballot envelopes, and public post-election audits to protect vote integrity. The Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division Audit Program conducts in-depth reviews of county election records to ensure compliance with these laws, as outlined in the Texas Election Code, Section 31.006. In Hopkins County, voters can access resources like the Voter Information page to verify registration status, locate polling places, and understand their rights, fostering trust in the process.
While voter fraud is rare, as experts consistently note, Texas has seen isolated cases that highlight the need for vigilance. In 2022, the Texas Attorney General’s Office prosecuted Monica Mendez in Victoria County for 26 felony counts of voter fraud, including illegal voting and unlawful possession of mail ballots. Mendez pleaded guilty to charges stemming from manipulating mail ballots, a practice known as vote harvesting, which exploits the mail ballot system’s vulnerabilities. Similarly, in Gregg County’s 2018 Democratic Primary, Shannon Brown, elected as County Commissioner, and his wife, Marlena Jackson, pleaded guilty to election fraud for illegal vote harvesting, securing Brown’s victory by just five votes.
More recently, in May 2025, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Election Integrity Unit indicted six individuals in Frio County, including a county judge and former elections administrator, for alleged vote harvesting and evidence tampering. These charges, brought under Senate Bill 1 (2021), which criminalizes compensated ballot collection, have sparked debate. Critics, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), argue these actions target Latino Democrats and constitute voter suppression, while Paxton insists they protect election integrity. Despite these claims, a 2015 CDC review and other studies find no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Texas, suggesting such cases are exceptions rather than the norm.
These incidents, though limited, underscore the importance of robust election oversight. Hopkins County’s new Elections Administration Office is designed to prevent such issues locally by ensuring compliance with state laws and enhancing transparency, reassuring voters that their ballots are secure.
The Election Administrator position, now open for applications through September 12, 2025, is a pivotal role in Hopkins County’s commitment to fair elections. This position, approved by the Commissioners Court, will oversee the county’s electoral processes, replacing fragmented responsibilities previously handled by county clerks or voter registrars. Below are the key responsibilities and qualifications, aligned with Texas state election laws and Hopkins County regulations:
Oversee Voter Registration and Ballot Management
The Election Administrator ensures accurate voter registration and secure ballot management, as mandated by Texas Election Code, Section 31.004, which designates the county election officer as responsible for voter registration data and election systems. This includes verifying voter identities through signature matching and unique identifiers, as well as securing ballots with tamper-evident envelopes. In Hopkins County, the administrator will maintain voter rolls, ensuring only eligible voters (residents, citizens, and non-felons) are registered, and manage ballot preparation to prevent errors or fraud.
Coordinate Polling Site Staff and Logistics
The administrator organizes polling sites, trains election workers, and ensures logistical readiness, per Texas Election Code, Section 129.023, which requires bipartisan testing boards and public hash validation to verify voting system integrity. In Hopkins County, this involves staffing polling places like those listed on the Voter Information page and ensuring zero votes are recorded at poll opening and closing, with ballot counts matching voter check-ins.
Ensure Compliance with All Relevant Election Laws
Compliance with the Texas Election Code is critical, including over 100 criminal offenses like illegal voting and vote harvesting. The administrator will adhere to Senate Bill 1 (2021) requirements, such as video recording at central counting stations in counties with populations over 100,000 (though Hopkins County, with a population under 40,000, is exempt from some provisions). Locally, the administrator will follow Hopkins County regulations, ensuring public access to election records within 61 days post-election, as per House Bill 5180 (2023), while redacting personally identifiable information to protect ballot secrecy.
Serve as a Liaison for Voters and Candidates
The administrator acts as a bridge between voters, candidates, and election officials, addressing concerns and providing transparent communication. This aligns with Texas Election Code, Section 31.001, which tasks the Secretary of State and local officials with assisting voters. In Hopkins County, the administrator will respond to inquiries via the county’s Voter Information page and handle complaints, forwarding credible allegations to the Texas Secretary of State for review, as per Section 31.006.
Excellent Organizational and Communication Skills
The role demands meticulous planning to manage voter rolls, polling sites, and compliance deadlines, alongside clear communication with voters and candidates. These skills ensure efficient election administration and public trust, as emphasized by the Texas Secretary of State’s guidelines for election officials.
Familiarity with Election Processes and Local Regulations
Knowledge of Texas Election Code and Hopkins County’s election procedures, such as those outlined on the county’s Voter Information page, is essential. The administrator must understand local polling logistics and state laws like Senate Bill 1 to prevent violations and maintain transparency.
Strong Attention to Detail and Integrity
Precision in handling ballots and voter data, coupled with unwavering integrity, is crucial to prevent errors or fraud. The administrator must uphold the oath to “guard the purity of the election” (Texas Election Code, Section 62.003) and undergo criminal background checks, as per Election Advisory No. 2012-02, to ensure trustworthiness.
Hopkins County’s Elections Administration Office, led by the new Election Administrator, is a proactive response to voter concerns. By centralizing oversight, the office will implement robust security measures, such as hash validation of voting systems and bipartisan vote counting, to prevent fraud. The Texas Secretary of State’s 2024 Election Security Update confirms no evidence of compromised voting systems in Texas since 2016, reinforcing that safeguards like those in Hopkins County are effective. Public access to post-election audits and voter verification tools further ensures transparency, giving voters peace of mind that their vote will not be trashed, switched, or uncounted.
The Election Administrator will work tirelessly to uphold Texas’s reputation for secure elections, ranked highly by organizations like The Heritage Foundation for its stringent laws. By addressing past issues, such as those in Victoria and Frio Counties, through rigorous compliance and community engagement, Hopkins County is setting a standard for election integrity. Voters can rest assured that their voice matters, protected by a dedicated professional committed to the core principles of the democratic process.
Hopkins County is now hiring an Election Administrator to lead this vital mission. Applications are accepted through September 12, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to serve your community by ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient elections. Join us in safeguarding the democratic process and empowering every voter in Hopkins County. For more information, visit the Hopkins County Voter Information page at https://www.hopkinscountytx.org/page/hopkins.VoterInfo or contact the County Clerk’s office.
Sources:
The Texas Tribune, “Frio County Election Integrity Investigation Leads to Arrests”
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Agenda, August 26, 2025
Sulphur Springs News-Telegram, “Hopkins County Commissioners Approve Creation of Elections Administration Office”
Hopkins County Voter Information Page
Texas Election Code, Sections 31.001, 31.004, 31.006, 62.003, 129.023, 276.012, 276.015
Texas Secretary of State, 2024 Election Security Update
Texas Attorney General, Election Integrity,
The New York Times, “Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Voting Fraud Charges”
For more information on applying or learn more, please contact:
Tracy Smith, County Clerk
(903) 438-4074 • [email protected]
Kelly Kaslon, Human Resources
(903) 438-4009 • [email protected]
Many states irresponsibly and unconstitutionally changed their voting policies prior to the 2020 election. Fortunately, we did things differently in Texas: we fought hard to uphold Texas law and defend the integrity of elections in this State…
– Attorney General Ken Paxton
