Maverick County Elections Department Explains Delay in Reporting Results
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Maverick County Elections Department apologized to voters, candidates and the community for delays in releasing unofficial results from the November 3, 2026 general election, attributing the delay primarily to difficulties processing certain hand-marked paper ballots.
In a public statement, Elections Administrator Marianna Flores-Garcia explained that the department’s DS450 central counting machine could not properly read some ballots because voting selections had not been completely or correctly filled in.
Those ballots required additional attention and processing under established election procedures, extending the time needed to tabulate and report results, according to the department.
The statement also addressed comparisons with neighboring counties that reported their election results sooner.
Flores-Garcia explained that Maverick County used a hand-marked, paper-based voting system requiring ballots to be physically handled and scanned through central counting equipment. Differences in voting equipment, ballot volume and tabulation procedures could affect how quickly individual counties reported results.
The department reported that poll watchers were present during the central counting process, providing additional observation while election workers addressed the processing difficulties.
The statement also responded to concerns about a change in how unofficial election results were announced to the public.
According to the department, the public had been notified by 7 p.m. on Election Day that results would be announced through a live broadcast. The department maintained that the notification had been provided in advance.
Flores-Garcia explained that the broadcast was intended to provide an organized and accessible way to communicate results while reducing noise, interruptions and confusion during the announcement.
The department maintained that the change was not intended to limit transparency or public access and acknowledged the public’s right to observe election processes as permitted by law and receive accurate information.
While recognizing frustration over the delay, Flores-Garcia emphasized the department’s responsibility to ensure that every eligible vote was properly accounted for and that election results were reported accurately.
The statement did not specify how many ballots required additional processing or how much time that work added to the reporting process.
The department thanked community members, candidates and voters for their patience and recognized election workers for their dedication, professionalism and long hours of service.
Flores-Garcia reaffirmed that accuracy, transparency and election integrity remained the department’s highest priorities.
