Maverick County Commissioners Court to Address Carlos De Los Santos’ Unpaid Election Recount Invoice
Maverick County to Address Unpaid Recount Invoice from Precinct 3 Election
The Maverick County Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet on January 13, 2025, to address an unpaid invoice tied to the 2024 Precinct 3 election recount requested by Republican candidate Carlos “Carlitos” De Los Santos. The recount, which ultimately confirmed and expanded incumbent Commissioner Olga M. Ramos’ victory, remains unpaid, leaving county employees uncompensated for their efforts.
A Close Race and a Costly Recount
In the November 5, 2024 General Election, Commissioner Olga Ramos narrowly defeated De Los Santos, earning 2,182 votes (50.83%) to his 2,111 votes (49.17%). Leave a close margin of just 71 votes, De Los Santos proceeded to request a recount, claiming to seek confirmation of the results.
The recount, conducted with ballots from Precincts 3A, 3B, and 3C, required significant time and resources to complete. After a full day of meticulous review, the recount not only upheld the original results but added 20 more votes to Ramos’ total, solidifying her win and leaving no doubt about the election’s outcome.
Unpaid Invoice Sparks Concerns
Election recounts are a candidate-driven process, with the requesting party bearing the financial responsibility for associated costs. De Los Santos’ campaign, however, has yet to pay the invoice for the recount. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the delay has affected county employees involved in the process, who have not received compensation for their work.
The unpaid invoice has drawn attention to De Los Santos’ decision to pursue a recount despite the results. The matter has now been placed on the agenda for public discussion at the upcoming Commissioners Court meeting, where officials will address the situation and consider next steps.
A Question of Accountability
The unpaid recount invoice raises questions about accountability and financial responsibility. By requesting a recount, De Los Santos triggered a process that required significant public resources, only to leave the county footing the bill. For many observers, his actions seem at odds with the principles of fiscal conservatism often championed by his party.
Commissioner Olga Ramos, meanwhile, emerged from the process with an even stronger mandate. The recount affirmed her initial victory and underscored the integrity of the election, leaving little room for doubt about the legitimacy of her win.
The Maverick Take
Carlos De Los Santos’ unpaid recount invoice reflects poorly on his commitment to the democratic process he sought to challenge. While recounts are a necessary safeguard for close elections, they come with financial responsibilities that should not be ignored.
The recount not only confirmed Commissioner Ramos’ win but also demonstrated her campaign’s strong support and the reliability of Maverick County’s electoral system. De Los Santos’ failure to pay for the process raises questions about his motives and accountability, particularly after the recount added to Ramos’ margin of victory. The upcoming Commissioners Court meeting offers an opportunity to resolve the issue and ensure that county employees are compensated.
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