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What are the responsibilities of the Refugio elections administrator?

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  • Originally published May 29, 2008 at 11:24 p.m., updated May 29, 2008 at 11:24 p.m.

Rachael Garcia, the appointed elections administrator in Refugio County since 2005, says her job is to create voter confidence and ensure a secure and private voting process. She anticipates the upcoming November election to be the biggest early voting event yet in her three years with the county, exceeding the 2004 turn-out. Early voting starts Oct. 20.

Q: How has your experience been in this office?

A: It has been very challenging. My job is to make sure each voter has a secure and private vote. I’m here for the voters, my job is to gain voter confidence and get them to continue voting.

Q: Were there problems in the past with voter confidence when the office was located in the courthouse?

A: Moving out of the courthouse to our new office has helped. It has made the election more neutral. I want the candidates, as well as the voters, to feel comfortable. We are nonpartisan.

Q: Have you had any concerned citizens contact you after the most recent elections regarding voter fraud?

A: We’ve had no major issues or complaints.

Q: In light of the Precinct 4 commissioner, who pleaded guilty to felony election fraud charges, did voting habits change with mail in ballots?

A: There has been little change as far as mail-in ballots. I was worried because at the time - that it would discourage people - but that didn’t happen and I’m happy about that.

What’s a ranging reporter? These reporters go out into the community, regularly filing live reports, photos and video from around the Crossroads region. To contact Christina Burke, e-mail cburke@vicad.com or just add a comment to this story.



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