Should only one local media outlet be provided exclusive access to unofficial election result totals on Election Night?
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Top picture was taken in October during the 2023 early voting period outside of the Ssgt. Wille de Leon Civic Center.
On February 9th, 2024, the Uvalde Hesperian sent an email to Uvalde County Elections Administrator Melissa Jones requesting equal access to the Uvalde County Election returns once the unofficial totals are available. As of March 1st, the Uvalde Hesperian has not received a response from Jones.
“Ms. Jones ,
Good morning.
As the early voting. For the March primaries are fast approaching, and the election will be here soon I hereby request that the Uvalde County Election vote totals be made available to me DBA the Uvalde Hesperian as early as the they become available.
I am aware that your office provides these results to the Uvalde Leader-News on the evening of each respective Election Day.
I hereby request the same courtesy be extended to me and the Uvalde Hesperian.
I also request a response to this email acknowledging receipt of this email and if your office will comply with my request for election results.
If for some reasons, this request cannot be honored please let me know including the reason it cannot be facilitated. Thank you.”
On February 16, 2024, the Uvalde Hesperian mailed a certified letter to the Uvalde County Elections Office with the same request and asking for a response.
The Uvalde Hesperian is currently waiting for a response to its request for the Uvalde County Elections unofficial results for the upcoming Tuesday, March 5th Democratic and Republican vote totals at the same time as other local media provided this information.
