Texas GOP Pushes for Paper Ballots Amid Election Debates

In an effort to address concerns about voting accuracy and security, Republican officials across Texas are increasingly advocating for a return to hand-counted paper ballots in primary elections. The movement has gained traction following initiatives in several counties where local party leaders have already approved plans to implement such changes.

Dallas County Republicans were among the first to mandate all-paper ballot systems, citing advantages like heightened accuracy due to watermark technology, complete security during counting processes, faster results without electronic delays, and significantly reduced costs—around nine percent cheaper than current methods. This decision has prompted similar moves in other Republican strongholds, including Hays, Eastland, and Gillespie counties.

Orange County Republicans also approved a hand-counting plan earlier this year but did not specify the timeline or extent of implementation at that time. Meanwhile, election officials in Collin, Williamson, and Bastrop counties have indicated they are proactively adapting their procedures in response to President Trump’s executive order from March aimed at restricting voting equipment involving barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots.

The adoption of all-paper systems raises questions about the efficiency of Texas elections compared to states that utilize optical scanners with electronically verifiable paper trails. While proponents argue this approach ensures greater integrity and reduces potential vulnerabilities associated with digital tabulation, opponents worry about slower processing times and increased resource demands without a clear legislative mandate.

This push reflects broader debates national and international observers are tracking regarding election security measures following high-profile contests involving foreign interference.