AUSTIN, TEXAS--The League of Women Voters of Texas president, Grace Chimene, issued the following statement in response to Texas legislators continuing to undermine our county election officials and the 2020 elections:
“Texas voters and state election officials both agree our 2020 elections were safe and secure. The conduct of elections is a nonpartisan, critical exercise in our democracy. That’s why the League of Women Voters of Texas urges state leaders to reject any efforts to undermine voter confidence in our elections or to inject partisanship into elections.
“Texas local election officials work tirelessly to run elections, conduct recounts, and complete required audits to ensure the security and accuracy of our elections. Texas should reject Arizona- and Pennsylvania-style politically motivated election reviews, like those proposed by SB 97 and HB 244. The last thing we need is Texas lawmakers to inject partisanship into our elections, undermining voters’ confidence in the integrity of our election system and the professionals that administer our elections all across our state.
“Texas county taxpayers would have to pay for these unnecessary, expensive and partisan-driven reviews. These bills would apply to both primary and general elections and could lead to unlimited challenges to the verified election results from candidates and result in never-ending political chaos in Texas. In addition, this new legislation would also require county election officials to respond to inquiries and provide documentation for any allegation of a violation of the Election Code.
“The proposed legislation that would allow for unneeded and highly partisan investigations into the election would not only be bad for the strength and health of our democracy, but it would saddle local taxpayers with high costs, as well. Local and state officials should prioritize funding that strengthens Texas elections, not undermine them.”
Summary of Bills Calling for Partisan, Unnecessary Election Reviews
SB 97, 87(2), Relating to processes to address election irregularities; providing a civil penalty.
HB 244, 87(2), Relating to processes to address election irregularities; providing a civil penalty.
HB 241, 87(1); and HB 26, 87(2), Relating to a forensic audit of 2020 election results in certain counties.
SB 88, 87(2), Relating to a forensic audit of 2020 election results in certain counties.
HB 286, 87(1) and HB 95, 87(2), Relating to improvements to election integrity, including through a partial count of auditable voting system ballots; creating a criminal offense.
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