The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court yesterday unanimously approved a Resolution authorizing a joint election contract between the Republican and Democratic Parties and the Fort Bend County Elections Administrator.
The contract will allow the county to conduct one primary election rather than two. According to Fort Bend County Elections Administrator John Oldham this agreement is “good for the parties, good for the county, and, most importantly, good for the voters.”
Under the plan the Republican and Democratic Parties will share voting booths. There will be one team of election workers made up of representatives of both parties processing the voters. According to Oldham this will make things better for both the poll workers and voters.
“Voters won’t be faced with the stigma of standing in one line vs. another, or waiting in the wrong line,” said Oldham. “They can discretely choose a party ballot when they check in.”
Following the vote to approve the agreement, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson praised the political party chairmen and the Fort Bend County Elections Office for working together in the Primary process.
“Republican Chair Rick Miller and Democratic Chair Elaine Bishop as well as our Elections Administrator John Oldham are to be commended for their initiative and cooperation,” Patterson said.
Does this mean if I want to vote for anyone outside of a particular party I can’t?
It may save some money, but this will sure stop people from voting across party lines.