Latest news with #Breaux
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Collin County Commissioners Unanimously Back Hand-Marked Ballots To Boost Voter Trust
On Monday, the Collin County Commissioners Court approved a move to hand-marked paper ballots for the November 2025 election, pending an implementation plan due later this month. The 4–0 vote marked a sharp policy shift in one of Texas' fastest-growing counties, where electronic voting machines have long been the standard. Commissioner Duncan Webb was not present for the vote. While the new ballots will be marked by hand, officials emphasized that tabulation will remain electronic. The court directed county staff to return with a plan by June 23 detailing how the change will be implemented. 'I'd like to take the opportunity to make a motion to adopt hand-marked paper ballots for the upcoming November 2025 election and to direct staff to present to the court a plan for implementation by June 23,' County Judge Chris Hill said during the meeting. Commissioner Cheryl Williams seconded the motion. Collin County's recently appointed Elections Administrator, Kaleb Breaux, told the court that the transition is logistically possible, though not without some caveats. To remain compliant with federal law under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the county must maintain approximately 300 'express vote' electronic units—about one per polling location—with additional backup machines. Breaux said the county could potentially eliminate 'express touch curbside units,' offering additional cost flexibility. The administrator estimated that this might cost $2.4 million, noting that his projections fall well below the $3–4 million figure cited by his predecessor in 2024. Breaux also indicated that the county may qualify for some HAVA sub-grants to offset costs. Monday's vote comes nearly a year after the court declined to adopt a similar proposal. In August 2024, the Commissioners Court directed staff to explore the feasibility of a hand-marked ballot system following a failed motion to implement it that year. At that time, several commissioners raised concerns over cost, timing, and logistical readiness. Public advocacy for election system reform intensified across Texas last year, particularly following a series of incidents in which loopholes in election laws had allowed certain primary ballots—including those of prominent political figures—to be identified and publicized through legal records requests. Shannon Barnett, founder of the nonpartisan group My Vote Counts in Texas, has been a vocal advocate for hand-marked ballots and praised Monday's decision. 'Big thanks to the Collin County Commissioners—finally, a vote that puts the community first,' Barnett told The Dallas Express in an exclusive statement. 'Your unanimous decision to bring back hand-marked paper ballot elections for the November 2025 election shows a strong commitment to boosting public trust.' Barnett's organization has advocated for a return to in-precinct voting and the elimination of countywide polling places, arguing that current practices compromise ballot secrecy. She has also cited frequent power outages and machine malfunctions in Texas as further justification for hand-marked, hand-counted systems, still legal under state law and already used in nearly 100 Texas counties for absentee ballots. Dallas's ability to conduct the spring 2024 election was disrupted when power outages at polling stations made it impossible for citizens to vote. Critics of electronic voting systems often point to transparency and security concerns. As reported in The Dallas Express, the 2005 bipartisan election reform commission led by former President Jimmy Carter warned that Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) systems often lack transparency and auditability. Though these systems may include paper records today, advocates like Barnett argue that the most straightforward solution is to return entirely to hand-marked paper ballots. The cost has remained a key sticking point. In 2024, Commissioner Susan Fletcher reportedly cited estimates of $3.3 to $4.2 million for the switch and questioned whether the county could shoulder the burden in time for an election. On Monday, however, the court expressed optimism that Breaux's new estimates would make the plan more feasible.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
6-year-old, 12-year-old killed in Terrebonne Parish crash
TERREBONNE PARISH, La. (WGNO) — A 6-year-old and a 12-year-old are dead following a crash that happened in Terrebonne Parish on Thursday afternoon, June 5. According to the Louisiana State Police, troopers with Troop C began investigating the crash, which happened on Louisiana Highway 311 near Fellowship Lane, around 4 p.m. Hammond man accused of arson, attempted murder Troopers say a 1999 Toyota Camry, driven by Cherri Breaux, was heading south on the highway when at the same time, a 2023 Kenworth was heading north. For reasons that are being investigated, the Toyota tried to turn left into a driveway, entering the path of the Kenworth and being hit on the right side. The driver of the Kenworth was properly restrained and wasn't injured. All four of the Toyota's occupants were unrestrained and taken to multiple hospitals. Breaux received minor injuries and a juvenile passenger was moderately injured. The 12-year-old and 6-year-old passengers were severely injured and died at the hospital. A standard toxicology sample was taken from Breaux for analysis as part of the ongoing invesstigation. The driver of the Kenwood isn't suspected of being impaired and gave a voluntary breath Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto's vehicle targeted in Metairie burglary 6-year-old, 12-year-old killed in Terrebonne Parish crash Supreme Court turns away RNC challenge to Pennsylvania ballot ruling Three weeks later, two Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the loose Some Republicans hope Trump, Musk mend fences after blistering breakup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
St. Martin Sheriff talks safety at Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
ST. MARTIN PARISH, LA (KLFY) — The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is one of the biggest festivals in all of Louisiana that the city prepares for all year long, as well as law enforcement. St. Martin Parish Sheriff Becket Breaux spoke about safety and security measures that prepared to ensure that good times will roll. 'We've got a well thought out plan for this,' Breaux said. 'The plans are in place, and we can ensure that it's enforced. Safety is the number one priority.' Thousands of people from not only Acadiana but all over the world come to the Crawfish Festival. As the festival gets bigger every year, security measures are a priority. Sheriff Breaux said they will not stand for anyone looking to ruin the weekend long event, bringing up recent events like the shooting at the Mamou Mardi Gras and the terrorist attack on New Year's night in New Orleans. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Lafayette police enhance safety for Festival International 'I'm going to tell you right now; a statement will not happen in St. Martin Parish.' Breaux said. 'We've got extra security measures this year to ensure that doesn't happen or prevent that from happening. You know, we've got metal detectors and it's non-intrusive. You walk through it, don't bring a gun, don't bring a knife. You know, like I said, it's a family affair. We want you to have fun.' Sheriff Breaux said the amount of law enforcement officials at the festival is the most they have ever had. Agencies from all over the state are here to ensure the festival runs smoothly and people can enjoy everything it has to offer. 'If you a criminal and you want to misbehave; we're going to put you in jail, but there's no crawfish ettouffee in jail. Just behave have a great time. Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends.' Breaux said. St. Martin Sheriff talks safety at Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Louisiana State Police honored K9 trooper Pita The history behind those extravagant Kentucky Derby hats Small retailers say tariffs are affecting business Circle K visit after volunteering ends with Louisiana man winning $2.4 million Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
LSP and OMV investigation results in five arrests for fraudulent activities
ST. LANDRY PARISH — On March 28, the (LSP-IFAT) Breaux Bridge Field Office, in collaboration with the (OMV), initiated an investigation into allegations of fraudulent paperwork being processed across multiple offices. As a result, five individuals were arrested. These individuals were processed at a Lafayette Parish jail: • Maria Alejandra Herrera-Alvarez, 36, charged with 36 counts of filing false public records• Winston Wilfredo Mora Perez, 25, charged with 36 counts of filing false public records• Jose Luis Alarcon, 34, charged with 12 counts of filing false public records and one count of operating a vehicle without lawful presence in the United States Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now These individuals were processed at St. Landry Parish jail: • Siervo Amador, 32, charged with 32 counts of filing false public records• David Steven Amador, 19, charged with 32 counts of filing false public records Officials said the investigation began after supervisors at the Breaux Bridge OMV office reported a rise in suspicious activity. After an investigation, officials uncovered numerous fraudulent documents, including fake proofs of insurance, bills of sale and vehicle titles. This investigation remains ongoing. Student loans in default will be sent to debt collection, education officials say Who was the oldest pope? The ACOTAR box set is almost 50% off at Target right now Which dehumidifier is best for basements? Earth Day tips for taking care of your outdoor space Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Carencro man cited for illegal Red Snapper fishing in Plaquemines Parish
PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. () — The cited a Carencro man for an alleged fishing violation in Plaquemines Parish on March 22. Officials said they cited Jeremy Breaux, 46, for taking Red Snapper during a closed season. Officials stopped a vessel for a compliance check south of Grand Isle. During the inspection, officials said they found that Breaux was in possession of seven Red Snapper fish. The season for Red Snapper in 2025 does not begin until May 1. Officials seized the fish and donated them to a local charity. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now LDWF said taking Red Snapper during a closed season brings up to a $350 fine. They said Breaux will also face civil restitution totaling $200 for the replacement value of the illegally taken Red Snapper. Lawmakers clash over proxy voting on Capitol Hill Police reveal possible cause of death for former US Attorney found in Virginia home Duckworth: 'Pete Hegseth is a 'f‑‑‑ing liar' Lawmakers call for immigration reform Appeals court won't lift Boasberg's order blocking Alien Enemies Act Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
