AG Paxton: Poll Watchers Must Be Permitted
The lawsuit at issue alleges that the Travis County Central Counting Station sequestered poll watchers behind a locked door in a separate room where they could not observe counting activities and did not have sufficient access to verify the integrity of the process.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a brief in the Texas Supreme Court arguing that under the Texas Election Code, county election officials must permit poll watchers to observe the counting of ballots. Attorney General Paxton’s friend-of-the-court brief comes in response to a lawsuit alleging that the Travis County Central Counting Station is violating Texas law by excluding poll watchers from areas where ballots are being counted and obstructing poll watchers from performing their duties under Texas law.
“The election laws passed by our Legislature were specifically designed to ensure integrity, security and transparency. Poll watchers are critical for increased confidence in election integrity and the prevention of fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Texas law provides for poll watchers as a procedural protection against irregularities or unlawful conduct. Watchers must be allowed to perform their lawful duty and verify the ballots are counted correctly—something they can’t do when stuck in a holding room. I will always fight to uphold the law and preserve the integrity of our elections.”
The lawsuit at issue alleges that the Travis County Central Counting Station sequestered poll watchers behind a locked door in a separate room where they could not observe counting activities and did not have sufficient access to verify the integrity of the process. These allegations are supported by sworn declarations.
Read a copy of today’s filing here.
Social Worker Charged With 134 Felony Counts Involving Election Fraud
Kelly Reagan Brunner, a social worker in the Mexia State Supported Living Center (SSLC), with 134 felony counts of purportedly acting as an agent and of election fraud. If convicted, Brunner faces up to 10 years in prison for these offenses.
Press Release
Kelly Reagan Brunner, Photo by Limestone County Sheriff's Office
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his Election Fraud Unit assisted the Limestone County Sheriff and District Attorney in charging Kelly Reagan Brunner, a social worker in the Mexia State Supported Living Center (SSLC), with 134 felony counts of purportedly acting as an agent and of election fraud. If convicted, Brunner faces up to 10 years in prison for these offenses.
“I strongly commend the Limestone County District Attorney's Office, Sheriff’s Office, and Elections Office, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding work on this case and their commitment to ensuring a free and fair Presidential election in the face of unprecedented voter fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Registering citizens to vote or to obtain mail ballots without their consent is illegal. It is particularly offensive when individuals purport to be champions for disability rights, when in reality they are abusing our most vulnerable citizens in order to gain access to their ballots and amplify their own political voice. My office is prepared to assist any Texas county in combating this insidious form of fraud.”
State Supported Living Centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brunner submitted voter registration applications for 67 residents without their signature or effective consent, while purporting to act as their agent. Under Texas law, only a parent, spouse or child who is a qualified voter of the county may act as an agent in registering a person to vote, after being appointed to do so by that person. None of the SSLC patients gave effective consent to be registered, and a number of them have been declared totally mentally incapacitated by a court, thereby making them ineligible to vote in Texas.
Project Veritas Uncovering Organized Election Fraud in Bexar County
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the organized election fraud scheme exposed in today’s Project Veritas video is already under review by investigators from the Texas Election Fraud Unit.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the organized election fraud scheme exposed in today’s Project Veritas video is already under review by investigators from his Election Fraud Unit.
“What’s shown in the video is shocking and should alarm all Texans who care about election integrity. We are aggressively investigating the serious allegations and potential crimes that Project Veritas’s documentary audio and video recordings shed light on today. My office is fiercely committed to ensuring that the voting process is secure and fair in all Texas elections—a process that this video unfortunately casts a shadow of doubt on,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Election integrity has been a top priority of mine since I first took office in 2015. Anyone who attempts to defraud the people of Texas, deprive them of their vote, or undermine the integrity of elections will be brought to justice and penalized to the fullest extent of the law.”
Individuals involved with or aware of the alleged election fraud shown in the recording are encouraged to come forward and cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General.
Last Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail is October 23
For more election-related information, visit https://www.cctexas.com/elections or contact the City Secretary’s Office at (361) 826-3105.
Corpus Christi - The last day to apply to vote early by mail in the upcoming November 3, 2020 General and Special Bond Election for Nueces County is Friday, October 23, 2020.
To apply for a ballot by mail, voters may print the application online at https://www.nuecesco.com/county-services/county-clerk/elections-department or request to have an application mailed to them by e-mailing VoteByMail@nuecesco.com or by calling (361) 888-0385.
For more election-related information, please visit https://www.cctexas.com/elections or contact the City Secretary’s Office at (361) 826-3105.
Denton County - Carrollton Mayoral Candidate Arrested for Mail Ballot Fraud
Zul Mirza Mohamed, a candidate in the City of Carrollton mayoral race, was arrested for 84 counts of mail ballot application fraud and 25 counts of unlawful possession of an official mail ballot.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his Election Fraud Unit assisted the Denton County Sheriff’s Office in arresting Zul Mirza Mohamed, a candidate in the City of Carrollton mayoral race, on 84 counts of mail ballot application fraud and 25 counts of unlawful possession of an official mail ballot. If convicted, Mohamed faces up to 20 years in prison for these offenses.
“I strongly commend the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, the Lewisville Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety as well as the Denton Elections and District Attorney’s offices for their outstanding work on this case and their commitment to ensuring a free and fair Presidential election in the face of unprecedented voter fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Mail ballots are inherently insecure and vulnerable to fraud, and I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of our elections. My office is prepared to assist any Texas county in combating this form of fraud.”
Mohamed allegedly obtained a virtual mailbox using a false identity, forged at least 84 voter registration applications for unwitting Denton residents and had them sent to a fraudulent location. At the time of arrest, Mohamed was in the process of stuffing envelopes with additional mail ballot applications for neighboring Dallas County.
Final Day to Register to Vote is Approaching
Press Release
Corpus Christi - The last day to register to vote in the November 3, 2020 General & Special Bond Election is Monday, October 5.
You can obtain a voter registration application by visiting www.votetexas.gov or at the Nueces County Courthouse. Simply complete the form and drop it off, by October 5, at the Nueces County Voter Registrar’s Office, Suite 102, Nueces County Courthouse, 901 Leopard Street. For more information, call 361-888-0404.
Early voting begins Tuesday, October 13 and runs through Friday, October 30. For a look at early voting locations and other election-related information, please visit https://www.cctexas.com/elections or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 361-826-3105.
3 Gregg County Commissioners Charged with Organized Election Fraud
The group targeted young, able-bodied voters to cast ballots by mail by fraudulently claiming the voters were “disabled,” in most cases without the voters’ knowledge or consent.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that authorities arrested Gregg County Commissioner Shannon Brown, Marlena Jackson, Charlie Burns, and DeWayne Ward on charges in connection with an organized vote harvesting scheme during the 2018 Democratic primary election. To increase the pool of ballots needed to swing the race in Brown’s favor, the group targeted young, able-bodied voters to cast ballots by mail by fraudulently claiming the voters were “disabled,” in most cases without the voters’ knowledge or consent. Under Texas election law, mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are physically ill and cannot vote in-person as a result.
In total, the state filed 134 felony charges against the four defendants, including engaging in organized election fraud, illegal voting, fraudulent use of an application for a mail-in ballot, unlawful possession of a mail-in ballot, tampering with a governmental record, and election fraud. Penalties for these offenses range from six months in state jail to 99 years in prison.
“It is an unfortunate reality that elections can be stolen outright by mail ballot fraud. Election fraud, particularly an organized mail ballot fraud scheme orchestrated by political operatives, is an affront to democracy and results in voter disenfranchisement and corruption at the highest level,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Mail ballots are vulnerable to diversion, coercion, and influence by organized vote harvesting schemes. This case demonstrates my commitment to ensuring Texas has the most secure elections in the country, and I thank the Gregg County Sheriff and District Attorney for their continued partnership. Those who try to manipulate the outcome of elections in Texas must be held accountable.”
A grand jury returned indictments on 23 felony counts against Commissioner Brown, 97 felony counts against Marlena Jackson, eight felony counts against Charlie Burns, and six felony counts against DeWayne Ward. The Office of the Attorney General was assisted by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation. The Texas Attorney General will prosecute this case alongside the Gregg County District Attorney.
Corpus Christi Bond Information Now Available
The guide contains general information about the City’s Bond Program and a list of City Council approved streets, parks, and public safety projects.
Press Release
The City of Corpus Christi’s Bond 2020 Program Information Guide is now available online for public viewing. The $75 million Bond package is being considered by voters on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The year’s 2020 Bond Program will not require a property tax rate increase. The guide contains general information about the City’s Bond Program and a list of City Council approved streets, parks, and public safety projects.
The City of Corpus Christi has biennially approved and implemented two-year General Obligation Bond programs that consist of citywide infrastructure projects that are approved by the voters. It has been anticipated that this cycle would continue with Bond 2020.
The 2020 Bond Program Information Guide can be viewed at www.cctexas.com/bond2020.
Texas AG Files Appeal to Stop Harris County for Unsolicited Mail-In Ballot Applications
Under Texas election law, mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an appeal with the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, urging the court to prevent Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins from sending over two million unsolicited mail-in ballot applications to registered voters in Harris County, many of whom do not qualify to vote by mail. Hollins’s plan to unlawfully send mail-in ballot applications circumvents the careful limits the Constitution places on county officials’ authority and blatantly violates Texas election law. Harris County is required to respond by 9 a.m. Monday, September 14, and the Office of the Attorney General requested relief be granted no later than 5 p.m. on the same day.
Under Texas election law, mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled. The proposed mass mailing would sow confusion because applications would go to all registered voters, regardless of whether they legally qualify to vote a mail ballot and regardless of whether they even want to vote by mail. Texas law requires the clerk to send applications to voters who specifically request them.
Read a copy of the appeal here.
"Ready. Check. Vote." Coming to South Texas
The "Ready. Check. Vote." grassroots tour will travel approximately 3,000 miles and visit 46 cities across the Lone Star State, beginning September 10th and ending October 8th.
Press Release
(PHOTO: Office Of The Texas Secretary Of State, 9/10/2020)
AUSTIN – Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs today announced a new statewide grassroots tour as part of the "Ready. Check. Vote." initiative to safely educate Texas voters about what they need to bring to the polls when they cast their ballot. The contactless tour will utilize a 16-foot box truck that is wrapped in attention-grabbing messaging in both English and Spanish that will generate awareness and direct voters to VoteTexas.gov, the State of Texas' official election website. There, Texans will find the seven approved forms of photo identification and what to do if they do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these seven forms.
“Although COVID-19 may have changed how we approach outreach, it has not changed our commitment to ensuring that Texas voters are informed, prepared, and ready to cast their ballot,” said Secretary Hughs. “This contactless grassroots tour will help educate Texas voters on the approved forms of photo ID and ensure that Texans are able to make their voices heard this November.”
The "Ready. Check. Vote." grassroots tour will travel approximately 3,000 miles and visit 46 cities across the Lone Star State, beginning September 10th and ending October 8th.
South Texas Dates:
Three Rivers – October 5
Corpus Christi – October 6
Kingsville – October 6
Texas voters who possess one of the seven approved forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls. Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form, available to them at each polling location, and provide a supporting form of identification. In addition, some voters may qualify for an exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure.
The seven forms of approved photo ID are:
Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)**
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)
Voters with questions about how to cast a ballot in the upcoming November 2020 General Election can call 1-800-252-VOTE or visit VoteTexas.gov for more information.
Texas Sues Harris County for Sending Out Mail-In Ballot
Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that fear of contracting COVID-19 does not qualify as a “disability” and mail-in ballots must be preserved for qualifying groups.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Monday, August 31, against Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins for sending unsolicited mail-in ballot applications to over two million Harris County registered voters in blatant violation of Texas election laws. Under Texas election law, mail-in ballots are reserved for a few limited categories of qualified voters who are age 65 and older and voters who are disabled. Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that fear of contracting COVID-19 does not qualify as a “disability” and mail-in ballots must be preserved for qualifying groups. The Harris County Clerk’s proposed mass mailing would sow confusion because applications would go to all registered voters, regardless of whether they legally qualify to vote a mail ballot and regardless of whether they even want to vote by mail. Texas law requires the clerk to send applications to voters who specifically request them.
“Election officials have a duty to reject mail-in ballot applications from voters who are not eligible to vote by mail. Unfortunately, instead of protecting the integrity of our democratic process, the Harris County Clerk decided to knowingly violate election laws by preparing to send over two million ballot applications to many Texans who do not qualify and have not requested to vote by mail,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This blatant violation of law undermines our election security and integrity and cannot stand. I will continue to fight for safe, fair, and legal elections across the state.”
Read a copy of the lawsuit here.
Corpus Christi - Filing for City Council Approaches
The last day Corpus Christi residents can file an application for a place on the ballot is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta reminds everyone that the City election for mayor and three at-large and five district council member positions will be held on November 3, 2020.
The last day Corpus Christi residents can file an application for a place on the ballot is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Candidate information, including an application form and the requirements for filing are available on the City Secretary’s webpage, under 2020 Election Central, at www.cctexas.com or in the City Secretary’s Office, 1st Floor, City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.
Note: The City Secretary’s Office is closed to the general public and is operating at minimum staffing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals are strongly encouraged to make an appointment, or, at a minimum, should call the City Secretary’s Office at 361-826-3105 before coming to City Hall. To reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, individuals:
• are subject to a temperature check upon entering City Hall;
• are required to wear a face-covering while in City Hall; and
• must observe social distancing.
For more information, contact the City Secretary’s Office at (361) 826-3105.
Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued another guidance letter to Texas county judges and election officials, warning that Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19 to obtain a mail-in ballot.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Following recent decisions by the Texas Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit, Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued another guidance letter to Texas county judges and election officials, warning that Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19 to obtain a mail-in ballot. Due to inaccurate statements by public officials and private groups, Attorney General Paxton issued his first guidance letter on May 1.
“As the Texas Supreme Court held, mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are legitimately ill and cannot vote in-person without assistance or jeopardizing their health. The Texas Election Code is lawful, constitutional, and correctly protects our elections from fraud and voters from disenfranchisement,” said Attorney General Paxton. “It is vital that we work together to preserve the integrity of our democratic election process and consistently follow the law established by our legislature.”
Today’s letter follows a Texas Supreme Court decision that held that a voter may not claim “disability” for the purpose of casting a ballot by mail merely because the voter lacks immunity to COVID-19. Additionally, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit found that Texas is likely to win arguments that the Election Code’s ballot-by-mail provisions are consistent with the Equal Protection Clause and the Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Following these rulings, the Texas Democratic Party and other groups filed a motion to dismiss their state court lawsuit this week.
Read a copy of the letter here.