Pillars of the Community Hosts Texas Kickoff with Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth

On September 17, Pillars of the Community hosted its kickoff event at the Harris County Elections Center in Houston, Texas. The event brought together community leaders and election officials for an in-depth discussion on election administration and transparency in local election processes.

Harris County Clerk and Chief Elections Administrator Teneshia Hudspeth led the session, providing Pillars with a detailed overview of how Harris County’s elections are managed. Hudspeth also guided attendees on a tour of the county’s new elections center, showcasing the behind-the-scenes work that ensures the security and integrity of the voting process.

Key Takeaways:

During the event, participants engaged in a robust Q&A session and observed key parts of the election administration process, including:

• Testing of Election Equipment: Pillars observed the Logistic and Accuracy Test (LAT), where thousands of ballot consoles were tested to ensure proper functionality and accuracy. The Texas Secretary of State’s office also monitored this process to ensure compliance with state law. This test is conducted regularly to maintain election equipment reliability.
• Mail Ballots: Pillars were shown the comprehensive procedures for handling mail ballots, from distribution to receipt, storage, and counting, providing insight into the meticulous care taken to ensure accuracy at every step.
• Chain of Custody: Hudspeth explained the detailed process that secures the transfer of voting machines from precinct election judges to the elections center for tabulation on election night, emphasizing the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the results.

Next Steps:

Pillars are invited to participate in future opportunities to observe key milestones in the election process leading up to election day. Additionally, we will host upcoming “Ask Me Anything” town halls designed to engage the community and foster greater transparency in election procedures.

Through ongoing dialogue and educational events, Pillars of the Community aims to build public confidence in the electoral system and empower local communities to take an active role in supporting election integrity.