| Sunday, April 2 |
| 3-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Hours | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| Monday, April 3 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Hours | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| San Gabriel Ballroom E |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Welcome and Introductions |
| 8:35-10:35 a.m. |
Budgeting for Elections
In order to plan for your election budget, it is vital to fully understand what you are preparing for. This session will cover preparing election administration budgets. We will also get a firsthand look at what commissioners court members and auditors are looking for in election budgets. Hear tips and best practices from their point of view.
Fee & Cost Structuring in Elections
If you're attending this Academy, you're probably the subject matter expert in your county for running elections. In this section we'll talk about how you should be charging participating political subdivisions for your (and your staff's) expertise when running their elections. Various cost sharing models will be discussed and the latitude in fee setting in the Election Code will also be covered.
Speakers: Ms. Janet Martin, Ellis County Auditor
Chris Davis, Elections Administrator, Williamson County
|
| 10:35-10:55 a.m. |
Break | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| 10:55 a.m.-noon |
Voter Precinct Compliance
Get an in-depth understanding of various precinct types in counties and requirements for each.
Speaker: Ms. Christina Adkins, Legal Director, Secretary of State
|
| Noon-1 p.m. |
Lunch (provided) |
| 1-2 p.m. |
Polling Places and Staffing
Now that the precincts have been determined, review the requirements for polling places. We will discuss polling place setup, parking, signage, postings,
emergency/temp accommodations, and other related topics. Additionally, we will also discuss staffing requirements for each polling place and hear some lessons learned.
Speaker: Ms. Lisa Mujica, Elections Director, Brazoria County
|
| 2-3 p.m. |
Record Retention
This session will provide an overview of the records retention schedules that apply to elections and discuss records management policies and practices. Topics will include identification, classification, preservation and available resources and guidance.
Speakers: Mr. Paul Miles, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Remi Garza, Elections Administrator, Cameron County
Hon. Joyce Hudman, Brazoria County Clerk
Ms. Jennifer Doinoff, Elections Administrator, Hays County
|
| 3-3:20 p.m. |
Break | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| 3:20-4 p.m. |
Voter Registration
We will discuss the process of the voter registration process, list maintenance, removing people, death/cancellation and confidential voters.
Speakers: Ms. Patricia V. Benavides, Election Manager, Tarrant County
Ms. Julie Cooper, Election Manager, Walker County
|
| 4-5 p.m. |
Dealing with the Media and Social Media Best Practices
In this session we will discuss the relationship between county election officials and local media. We will also learn methods to network and connect with organizations and constituents through social media.
Speakers: Mr. Cary Roberts Partner, Casteel & Roberts
Ms. Bridgette Escobedo, Director of Elections, Travis County
|
| 5:30-7 p.m. |
Welcome Reception & Dinner | Live Oak Patio
Here's a great opportunity to relax and network with fellow attendees over beverages and dinner. |
| Tuesday, April 4 |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Breakfast | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Hours | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| San Gabriel Ballroom E |
| 8-8:50 a.m. |
When are Limited Ballots, Provisional Ballots and Presidential Ballots Used?
Get a better understanding of ballot procedures and who can use one.
Speakers: Ms. Shannon Lackey, Elections Administrator, Randall County
Hon. Heather Hawthorne, Chambers County Clerk
|
| 8:50-9:40 a.m. |
Voting System Testing Best Practices
This presentation will cover voting system testing and emphasize what steps you can take to prepare for election day.
Speakers: Mr. Heider Garcia, Tarrant County Elections Administrator
Hon. Laura Rogers, Sherman County District/County Clerk
|
| 9:40-10 a.m. |
Break | San Gabriel Ballroom Foyer |
| 10-10:50 a.m. |
Preparing and Conducting Voting by Mail
In this session we will review ABBM's, opportunities to correct certain defects on ABBM and carrier envelope. We will also discuss developing a process for receiving ballots, using the Ballot by Mail Tracker and applying and processing FPCA’s.
Speakers: Ms. Lisa Hayes, Elections Administrator, Guadalupe County
Ms. Wendi Fragoso, Chief Deputy for Elections, Galveston County
Ms. Krystal Ocon, Elections Administrator, Brazos County
|
| 10:50-11:40 a.m. |
Deputy Voter Registrar Training
Hear from Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector, Brue Elfant, on their program to train and build deputy registrars that can engage with residents, educate them on voter registration and are authorized to turn in voter registration forms.
Speaker: Hon. Bruce Elfant, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector
|
| 11:40 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
General May Election Panel Discussion and Lunch (provided)
Here's a great opportunity to discuss with your peers timely topics for the May general election. Take advantage of this guided discussion to learn what other counties are doing and share your ideas.
Speakers: Ms. Trudy Hancock, Elections Administrator, Brazos County
Hon. Schelana Hock, Polk County Clerk
Ms. Christina Adkins, Legal Director, Secretary of State
|