Voters in Bexar County report three ballot changes, but experts say screens are the likely culprit

Three early voters in Bexar County claim their selections changed on touchscreen voting machines, but a top government watchdog official says the devices likely did not swap their choices. The discrepancy between the voter intent and the printed ballot appears to be a hardware issue rather than a software error.

KSAT reported on three specific incidents where voters stated their selections shifted from Democratic candidates to Republican candidates. The events took place at the Converse Community Events Center, Wonderland of the Americas, and Macedonia Baptist Church.

Emily French, the policy director for Common Cause Texas, addressed the reports during a call with reporters. She stated that the machines are not switching ballots. She explained that the issue likely stems from touchscreen sensitivity. French noted that modern smartphones are highly responsive, while the voting terminals in Texas often feel less advanced. She compared the experience to using an iPhone versus a Palm Pilot.

French argued that it is highly unlikely that a nefarious programming error caused the changes. She said the apparent alterations most likely resulted from the physical interaction between the voter's finger and the screen surface.

Michele Carew, the Bexar County Elections Administrator, issued a statement on Friday confirming that the county's equipment is secure. Her office is currently responding to the specific complaints and is in communication with the machine manufacturer. Carew advised voters to notify a poll worker immediately if a printed ballot does not match their intended choices.

The reported glitches have intensified scrutiny ahead of the November 3 midterm election. Pro-democracy nonprofits and constitutional lawyers are preparing for potential challenges from the Trump administration. Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, said the administration is actively attempting to sow confusion and doubt about the election system. He described the current efforts as an attempt to manufacture lies about election integrity to dispute valid results later.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke to reporters in San Antonio on Sunday. He said Democrats have organized the largest voter protection effort in the history of a midterm election. Jeffries stated that the American people should decide who holds the majority in the next Congress and that his party will ensure that happens on election day.

Civil rights groups have prepared for various scenarios, including the White House ordering the seizure of ballot boxes or sending ICE to polling stations. Sozan said the administration and bad actors are terrified of losing the upcoming election.

Early voting in Bexar County continues through October 30. Polls will reopen on November 3. Residents can check their registration status and polling locations on the Bexar County Elections Department website. Voters who feel their rights are being infringed can call 866-OUR-VOTE for legal advice.

The county is not yet determining if any action is needed regarding the machines. The manufacturer is reviewing the complaints. The three reported incidents remain under investigation by the elections office.