This is an ongoing battle between Harris County and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is trying to prevent voting petitions from going out so widely, saying they should only go to eligible voters to vote by mail. The ruling concerns only petitions to be voted on by mail, and not ballots.
Houston is the largest city in the state in Harris County. Houston is heavily democratic and the area around it is an area of political warfare, with many districts being competitive.
Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins responded to the ruling by saying the petitions have already been sent to voters aged 65 and over.
But Paxton insisted in a statement Tuesday that “Harris County Clerk has deliberately chosen to violate Texas election law and undermine election security.” He added: “I thank the court for preventing Clark from pursuing his illegal plans while the case is ongoing.”
The court ruled against the Texas Democrats when it came to the mail-in vote.
The divided federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Texas could continue to allow non-exclusive absentee voting for senior citizens while voters under the age of 65 must provide an excuse if they want absentee voting. Earlier, the lower court agreed with Democrats’ claim that Texas law illegally discriminated against small voters, but the appeals court overturned that decision last Thursday and remanded the case for further trial.
Texas has traditionally been Republican for the past few decades, but Democrats believe it will be implemented in the November election. The Pollen Star State has seen a tight race in multiple polls between President Donald Trump and former Vice President J B Biden, with many suggesting that candidates were separated by just 1 point in July. Real Clear Politics of Voting in Texas Average, 3.5 to the President in the state. points shows the lead of points.
This story has been updated with additional context and background.
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