The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Sept. 11, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
After ordering controversial searches of homes of LatinX democracy advocates in August, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued two counties in early September for attempting to register citizens to vote prior to the 2024 election.
State lawmakers and civil rights groups called the searches intimidation, and have since called for a U.S. Justice Department voting rights investigation.
The Texas Tribune reports that last week, AG Paxton sued two liberal-leaning Texas counties encompassing the cities of Austin and San Antonio, for a proposed mailing of voter registration forms to unregistered voters. Bexar and Travis county commissioners voted to approve the distribution, despite threats by Paxton.
Paxton said in a statement, “It is unlawful and reckless for counties to use taxpayer dollars to indiscriminately send voter registration forms with no consideration of the recipients’ eligibility and without any statutory authority to do so.” UNQUOTE
Texas law does not expressly prohibit distribution of voter registration forms, only applications for voting by mail. A Texas driver’s license or other approved identification is required when registering, or a Voter Registration Certificate or approved ID when voting.
A Travis County spokesperson told the Texas Tribune, “It is disappointing that any statewide elected official would prefer to sow distrust and discourage participation in the electoral process.”
We’ve linked to the Texas Tribune’s great reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Texas Tribune – Group of Texas Democrats asks DOJ to investigate Texas over possible voter rights violations
Texas Attorney General’s Office – Attorney General Ken Paxton Warns Bexar and Harris Counties Against Unlawful Attempts to Send Voter Registration Applications to Unverified Recipients
Texas Secretary of State’s Office – Request for Voter Registration Applications
Vote.Texas.gov – Identification Requirements for Voting
Texas Tribune – Ken Paxton sues Travis County to block voter registration efforts
Texas Tribune – Ken Paxton sues Bexar County over voter registration outreach effort
Bexar County – Voter Registration Information
Travis County – Voter Registration Information
Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #VoterRegistration #KenPaxton #VoterSuppression #Texas