About Us

The Cameron County Department of Elections & Voter Registration was created in 1978 upon approval of structure by the Texas Legislature. It is overseen by the Election Administrator who also serves as the Voter Registrar. This department oversees and administers local, state and federal elections.

WHO IS IN CHARGE?

Officially, the Texas Elections Code (laws enacted by the Texas Legislature) spells out the procedures underlying the electoral and registration process. Furthermore, the Texas Secretary of State serves as the Chief Election Officer for the state and his office ensures compliance of election requirements, coordinates election reporting, and interprets legislative changes for local officials.

The elections commission oversees the office of the elections administrator according to the Texas Election Code. .Serving on the commission are the county judge (chairman), the county clerk (vice chairman), the tax assessor-collector (secretary), and the two local party chairs (Democrats and Republicans). The county commissioners' court is assigned certain electoral roles, but mostly oversees the fiscal issues for the department such as the budget. 

 However, the elections administrator is responsible for the daily operation of the department and coordinates all electoral functions on behalf of the county. S/he is hired with at least 4/5 of the elections commission approval and the majority vote of the commissioners' court.

WHAT DOES THE DEPARTMENT DO?

The department is operational year-round as it conducts an array of electoral duties. Registration of voters is always part of the list of things to do; that entails serving all clients who call, come in, and forward correspondence to the office. Secondly, the organization of countywide elections requires several months of careful planning and preparation. Additionally, the department administers numerous small elections throughout the year.

Among the chief functions of the department, are the following:

• Responding to requests for information and assisting voters with specific needs;
• Disseminating election information and providing community outreach programs;
• Managing a large inventory (warehouse) of election supplies and resources;
• Furnishing lists of registered voters to over 40 political subdivisions in the county;
• Receiving campaign finance reports and maintaining those records;
• Processing a large volume of voter registration and change of address forms;
• Conducting early voting and overseeing the entire ballot by mail process;
• Recruiting, scheduling, training, and paying hundreds of poll workers and clerks
• Providing support to various groups for voter registration drives;
• Working with special projects, such as redistricting and creating new precincts;
• Preparing detailed contracts, estimates, and plans for several elections; and
• Posting various notices, reporting to the Secretary of State, etc.

 BACKGROUND

Although the department has not been in continuous existence since its inception, it has evolved significantly and undergone changes in administration. Tencha de la Pea served as the first elections administrator with a small staff and modest resources. During her tenure, she was well known for her diligence and professionalism. Through the use of Shoup lever machines, results were reported more expeditiously; Cameron County would soon grow by leaps and bounds. Following her retirement in 1995, Beto Medrano, Amalia Cano Acevedo, and Robert Mendoza respectfully, headed the department.

In 1997, the county implemented an optical-scan, central count system. Voters saw a switch in voting methods by using electronically coded paper ballots. At about the same time, legislative changes in election procedures, the promulgation of widespread early voting, the creation of additional political subdivisions/jurisdictions, and the so-called Motor-Voter Act had a tremendous impact on this local government office.

In 2002 the federal government established HAVA – "Help America Vote Act." Said act mandates minimum election administration standards for state and local government in administrating federal elections, amongst other requirements. Since then state certified equipment was acquired and now used throughout the county to enable physically impaired voters to cast a private vote.

TODAY

Rogelio "Roger" Ortiz presently serves as the elections administrator, a position he assumed in October 2002 upon resignation of Robert Mendoza. Under his direction, the department is prepared and ready for all new challenges, and fresh new ideas and new programs to assist in better serving Cameron County constituents.  Resources have been augmented to help meet the demands of one of Texas ' fastest growing counties. Additionally, the department continues to transform its structure, operation, and policies to strengthen its ability to more effectively serve the public.

The staff is comprised of eight full-time employees. During election seasons, temporary personnel are employed to assist with preparations. On Election Day, as many as 400 individuals are needed at the polls and to carry out the intricate tabulation process. Not only does the department conduct countywide elections, but also contracts regularly with various entities to administer their respective elections.

BUDGET

The department is funded primarily from the county's General Fund. Its overall budget, if divided by the number of registered voters, is less than $3.00 per voter. That is less than half of the estimated average that is spent on administering local electoral operations. 

 The following is a breakdown of fund allocations on an annual basis.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE

The department will continue to incorporate the latest tools and methods available so as to be an exemplary office. Whether it is voting on the Internet or on a touch-screen device, all the latest trends will be examined closely for their value and feasibility for use in Cameron County .

Its biggest asset is the dedicated staff who will continue to drive the department during challenging times. While the setting or face of the department may change, the guiding principles, however, will remain constant: honesty, fairness, accountability, and professionalism.