Election Issues in Harris County, Texas Spawn Bills Aimed at Controlling Its Election Administration

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May 5, 2023

Today’s Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) 

Today’s Links now below the script

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

As the end of the legislative session draws near in Texas, we have an update on bills targeted at controlling Harris County election administration, where logistical and technical problems marred November’s election.  

Votebeat Texas reports county officials STILL don’t have a handle on how many voters were affected by ballot shortages, voting machine access problems, poor training and late openings.  Because Texas law allows county-wide voting, voters could go to another polling place and vote, a reason why it’s still unclear how many – if any – were disenfranchised.  A bill ENDING county-wide voting just passed the Senate. 

The lack of clarity has not stopped bills aimed at Harris County’s issues, as well as a pending lawsuit from Republican candidates who claim the problems cost them the election.

Votebeat’s report on resulting legislation includes Senate Bill 1933, which gives the Secretary of State the power to suspend and replace election officials in a county with a pattern of election administration problems.  Similarly, SB 1039 requires county election officials to give satisfactory answers to questions regarding the election, and allows the state to audit if necessary.

Most telling is SB 1750, eliminating the post of election administrator – just in Harris County – and giving election responsibility to the county’s clerk and tax collector.   The House hears the bills shortly.

We have links to the Votebeat article and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
Washington Post –  (2022) Texas investigating voting difficulties in Houston’s Harris County
Texas Tribune/Votebeat Texas – (2022) Almost two months after Election Day, Harris County still doesn’t know if polling site problems kept people from voting
Harris County via Votebeat Texas – Harris County Elections 2022 assessment
Houston Public Media – Layoffs in Harris County elections offices may explain some 2022 voting problems
Texas Tribune – Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day
Votebeat Texas – Here are the Texas election bills to watch with a month left in the legislative session

Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters Houston, ACLU Texas, Mi Familia Vota, OCA Houston 


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