Texas Democrats seek swift ruling on expanding mail-in votes
Updating an ongoing lawsuit, the Texas Democratic Party on Wednesday asked a federal judge in San Antonio to issue an order by May 15 requiring state officials to expand vote-by-mail opportunities in upcoming elections.
The motion also asked U.S. District Judge Fred Biery to block Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from threatening voters with criminal or civil sanctions if they vote by mail over fears of contracting the coronavirus at polling places.
The fast deadline is required, the petition argued, because county election officials need clarity as they prepare for primary runoff elections and a special election to fill the seat of retiring state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin both set for July 14.
Texas law allows mail-in ballots in specific circumstances, including voters who are 65 or older or who have an illness or physical condition that makes it risky to vote in person.
Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/20200429/texas-democrats-seek-swift-ruling-on-expanding-mail-in-votes