Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Seabrook’s elections are conducted using Hart InterCivic Verity voting equipment that has been approved specifically for our city by both federal and state authorities. The equipment is not connected to the internet or any other computer system and cannot be remotely accessed or hacked. It also meets the latest security requirements set by the State of Texas, including the use of equipment manufactured entirely in the United States. This system provides a secure and trustworthy method of voting.

Pursuant to Texas state law, the City Secretary is the designated Elections Administrator for the City. In addition, state law provides that the City Secretary serves as the Early Voting Clerk for municipal elections. In the role of Early Voting Clerk, the City Secretary conducts early voting and holds the same authority and responsibilities as a Presiding Election Judge, including the authority to appoint Deputy Early Voting Clerks as permitted by law.

City Hall is the designated polling location for the City of Seabrook. As a public building, City Hall may be occupied by city staff and members of the public during the conduct of an election. City staff may also be present at any time outside regular business hours to perform their official duties. At no time are unauthorized individuals permitted within the designated polling areas of the building, and those areas remain secure at all times, including outside of regular business hours.

All ballots and election equipment are sealed when not in use and handled in accordance with all Texas state requirements. Required sealing procedures are followed throughout the election process and at the close of voting, and proper chain-of-custody protocols are maintained at all times.

In preparation for the May 2, 2026, election, the City of Seabrook has implemented some measures to improve efficiency and better support City staff. The City has purchased new electronic poll pads, which will streamline the voter check-in process by eliminating the need for voters to manually sign multiple paper forms. These electronic poll pads are similar to those successfully used by Harris County and the Clear Creek Independent School District, and will help reduce wait times, improve voter flow, and enhance the overall voting experience.

In addition, during the last budget cycle, the City Council provided enough resources for the City Secretary to hire a dedicated election staff not only for Election Day, but also for the entire early voting period. This staffing will include an Election Judge, an Alternate Election Judge, and Election Clerks. While the City Secretary will continue to serve as the Early Voting Clerk, the addition of election staff will provide essential support and allow the City Secretary and Deputy City Secretary to fulfill their duties without being physically present at all times during early voting. These enhancements will help ensure a smooth, efficient, and well-managed election process.

During the May 3, 2025, election, the controller device used to print voter access codes displayed an incorrect date. Upon discovery, election staff immediately reported the issue, prompting a Hart Intercivic technician to update the system and correct the date.

The Secretary of State’s Office advised that the device required prompt correction, which was completed accordingly. The Secretary of State’s Office further confirmed that Hart Intercivic technicians are authorized to be present at polling locations to provide maintenance and technical support for issues of this nature.

The date correction had no impact on the conduct or outcome of the election.

Council discussed last year the possibility of entering into a joint election agreement with Harris County for the May 2, 2026, City of Seabrook General Election. The City Secretary contacted Harris County to express Seabrook’s interest in participating in a joint agreement with other entities for the May 2026 elections and requested additional information to facilitate such an agreement.

Harris County issued an official statement to entities on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, stating "the Harris County Clerk's Office will not enter into election services with local political subdivisions for the Saturday, May 2, 2026, Uniform Election date."

A voter registered in another state was not permitted to vote in the 2025 Seabrook election. During the voter check-in process, a duly registered Seabrook voter inadvertently signed the check-in form on a line corresponding to a different registered voter who was out of state at the time of the election, and therefore did not vote. Upon discovery of the voter’s error, election staff immediately reviewed the records and confirmed that the Seabrook voter had properly signed in at the correct location in the official poll book. As a duly registered Seabrook voter, the individual was lawfully permitted to vote.

To help prevent similar issues in future elections, the City has purchased new electronic poll books. These electronic systems will streamline the voter check-in process by eliminating the need for voters to sign multiple paper documents and by ensuring that voters sign in the correct place electronically.