Summary
A federal judge has ruled against a section of Texas election law that granted the state Attorney General, Ken Paxton, the authority to investigate “vote harvesting.” The ruling, which deemed the law “unconstitutionally vague” and a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, is seen as a significant setback for efforts perceived to suppress Hispanic and Latino voters in Texas.
The law in question was part of a broader legislative effort aimed at curbing alleged vote harvesting, which involves collecting completed absentee and mail-in ballots on behalf of voters. Critics argued that the enforcement of this law was used to intimidate voting rights activists, particularly targeting communities that typically support Democratic candidates. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez highlighted the confusion surrounding the law’s language, particularly regarding terms like “compensation” and “physical presence,” which left canvassers uncertain about their legal standing. Advocacy groups have welcomed the ruling as a victory for voting rights, emphasizing its role in protecting the electoral process from intimidation tactics.
Federal Judge Ruling Deals a Blow to Ken Paxton
Sep. 29 / Newsweek / Highlights the significant ruling against Texas' vote harvesting law, emphasizing its implications for voter rights and potential intimidation tactics. The analysis is thorough, providing context and reactions from advocacy groups. “ A federal judge has struck down a section of Texas election law that critics said allowed Texas Attorney General the authority to try to "suppress" Hispanic...
How Trump Hopes to Exploit the Myth of Voter Fraud in November
Sep. 22 / The New Yorker / Provides a detailed examination of the broader implications of voter fraud claims in American politics, linking it to the Texas vote harvesting law. While insightful, it diverges from the direct topic of the ruling itself. “ Facebook X Email Print Save Story The threat of voter fraud is one of the more durable myths in American politics, probably because it has proved so useful....