The Herald-Zeitung

State Rep. Nathan Macias’ announcement Friday afternoon that he is dropping his bid for a new primary election in District 73 is welcome news for many. His attorney Rene Diaz filed papers withdrawing the lawsuit in Comal County District Court Friday afternoon, while Macias announced the election dispute’s conclusion in a lengthy e-mail three days before it was to go to trial.

The close Dist. 73 Republican primary drew recounts and double checks as the original 38-vote margin for challenger Doug Miller dwindled to 17 votes. Accusations of double voting and voter fraud emerged as Macias sought to overturn Miller’s victory margin. And Macias’ attempt to get the lawsuit judge replaced — just because, rather than for a specified reason — was rejected by the Texas Supreme Court last week.

The incumbent’s decision to drop the lawsuit is the best decision for the Republican Party, which stands divided in the four counties of District 73, where more than 29,000 voters split their allegiances between Miller and Macias. This process already has been expensive and stopping the lawsuit halts that expenditure, particularly for Comal County taxpayers where the case was to be heard.

Perhaps there will be a residual benefit to this primary. The primary process, particularly in Gillespie County, did not run smoothly on March 8 where huge voter turnout overwhelmed the voting system prompting election coordinators to turn to paper ballots.

All voters can do is hope that the people who run elections will be vigilant, realizing the importance of accuracy and transparency vital to ensure they are beyond reproach.