Investigation into Voter Fraud in Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation of more than 100 undocumented immigrants, whom he accuses of casting over 200 ballots in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.
In a Tuesday news release, officials say the majority of the suspected ballots were cast in Harris County. However, officials will also investigate possible illegal ballots in Guadalupe, Cameron and Eastland counties.
In a statement, Paxton vowed to use the full force of Texas law to hold those who illegally voted accountable, and thanked the Trump administration for its “decisive action to help states safeguard the ballot box.”
“Illegal aliens and foreign nationals must not be allowed to influence Texas elections by casting illegal ballots with impunity. I will not allow it to continue,” Paxton said.
Background of the Investigation
This follows an investigation Paxton opened in June, accusing 33 undocumented immigrants of illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election.
Secretary of State Jane Nelson brought the individuals to Paxton’s attention after the Trump administration granted the state access to a federal database used to verify immigration status and citizenship.
In March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to provide states free access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services database. Texas government officials have previously made efforts to gain access, purging over 1 million people from voter rolls — including 6,500 potential noncitizens — in the past three years.
Previous Efforts to Prevent Voter Fraud
The recent investigation is not the first time Paxton has pursued charges related to voter fraud. In May, Paxton indicted a dozen individuals in South Texas for their connection to an alleged voter harvesting scheme, defined as “in-person interaction with one or more voters, in the physical presence of an official ballot or a ballot voted by mail, intended to deliver votes for a specific candidate or measure.”
This November, Texas voters can decide to add an amendment to the state’s constitution, which will clarify that “persons who are not citizens of the United States” cannot vote in the state’s elections.
A separate proposal that would have required voters to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote had previously stalled in the Texas House.
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Conclusion
The investigation into voter fraud in Texas is a significant development in the state’s efforts to ensure the integrity of its elections. With the upcoming amendment to the state’s constitution and previous efforts to prevent voter fraud, Texas is taking steps to protect its democratic process. As the investigation continues, it is essential for citizens to stay informed and engaged in the discussion about voter fraud and election security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the investigation about?
A: The investigation is about more than 100 undocumented immigrants who are accused of casting over 200 ballots in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles in Texas.
Q: Who is leading the investigation?
A: Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading the investigation.
Q: What is the significance of the investigation?
A: The investigation is significant because it highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of elections in Texas and the need to prevent voter fraud.
Q: What can citizens do to stay informed about the investigation?
A: Citizens can stay informed about the investigation by reading news articles and following updates from the Attorney General’s office and other reputable sources.
Staff Writer Nolan McCaskill contributed to this report.
