The bill would amend Election Code to require direct recording electronic voting machines to produce a voter-verified permanent paper record in an election. In the event of a ballot recount, the paper record would be the official record of the vote cast. The the bill would not apply to certain direct recording electronic voting machines until July 1, 2008; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2007. It is anticipated that any costs could be absorbed by existing resources.
Local entities that do not own voting machines that can produce the required permanent paper record would incur substantial costs to obtain the required machines. Other costs would include funds for supplies, maintenance, personnel, and training.
Harris County reported new costs of $15.1 million to install the printers and spools and to retrofit approximately 8,500 voting booths in the county. New operational costs would cost approximately $170,000 each year.
Dallas County reported initial costs of $1.3 million for the added printing devices, accessories, supplies, and new voting booths to hold the new equipment. An additional $100,000 per year would be required for ongoing supply and maintenance costs.
Hidalgo County reported costs of $1 million for the required equipment, $125,000 in new staff costs, and $50,000 in license fees.