Appeals Court Allows Texas to Continue Investigations Into Vote Harvesting

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The decision reinstates a state law provision that made certain types of paid ballot harvesting a third-degree felony.

A federal appeals court has granted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request to block a district court ruling that declared part of an election reform bill unconstitutional, allowing the state to continue investigating alleged cases of illegal vote harvesting.

In a decision on Oct. 15, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of the district court’s Sept. 28 ruling, which had halted enforcement of certain sections of Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1). According to state officials, the 2021 state law was designed to combat voter fraud and bolster election integrity.

Specifically, the lower court had struck down a provision that made certain types of paid ballot harvesting a third-degree felony, finding it violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments by being overly vague and infringing on free speech.

Paxton appealed the district court ruling, calling it “unacceptable” and saying that it would impede the state’s ability to safeguard its elections.

“A ruling—weeks prior to an election—preventing my office from investigating potential election violations is deeply troubling and risks undermining public trust in our political process,” Paxton said in a Sept. 30 statement.

The Fifth Circuit initially sided with the attorney general on Oct. 4 by granting a temporary stay on the lower court’s order until Oct. 10. Then, on Oct. 15, the appeals court extended that stay indefinitely, allowing the state to enforce the provisions of S.B. 1 as the legal battle continues.

The appeals court found that the plaintiffs—including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the League of Women Voters of Texas—failed to meet the high legal standard required to block an election law just weeks before the general election. The court noted that the plaintiffs’ constitutional challenge to the anti-vote harvesting provision was “far from ‘entirely clearcut,’” casting doubt on their likelihood of success.

The Fifth Circuit said that the plaintiffs’ arguments, which asserted that the law was too vague and infringed on free speech, lacked sufficient merit to justify the district court’s injunction, particularly given the proximity of Election Day. The court said that the anti-vote harvesting provision had been in place for over three years without being successfully challenged and that last-minute changes to election laws could create confusion for voters as well as election officials.

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Zelensky Is Manipulating Trump Into A Disaster Of Epic Proportions

Trump’s flip-flop on Ukraine is leading to Trump's manipulation by Zelensky into a disaster of epic proportions if Trump doesn’t soon wise up.  

Pregnant TikTok Goblins Gobble Tylenol, Demand #AutismAcceptance

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. and President Trump announced findings that Tylenol use in pregnant women and babies may be associated with increased risk of autism.

Fox News Exploits MN Church Massacre to Push AI ‘Early Intervention’ Crime Suppression

Don’t let the technocrats’ performative empathy and calls for prayer in aftermath of a man-made disaster deceive; dead kids are golden opportunities for the national security state.

Grit over glamor: the tranquil excellence of D-III college football

Division-III football is where walk-ons become captains, and linemen become legends. Next time you pass a small college stadium, stop in.

Kimmel’s Consequence

Jimmy Kimmel's suspension was a reminder that while he is free to speak, that freedom is a privilege extended at the discretion of his employer.

Kenvue Responds to Old Tylenol Posts on Social Media

Posts on social media stating Tylenol has not been tested during pregnancy and is not recommended for pregnant women are being taken out of context.

Rep. Tom Tiffany Announces Run for Governor of Wisconsin

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) announced on Sept. 23 that he will run for governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 general election.

1 Dead, 2 Injured in Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility: Officials

Several people were shot at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas on Wednesday, said Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem.

Trump Announces New Executive Order to Dismantle Antifa

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would be signing a new executive order to dismantle Antifa networks in the United States.

Trump Hangs Portrait of Joe Biden Autopen in New White House Presidential Wall of Fame

President Donald Trump hangs portrait of Joe bidden autopen in new White House Presidential Wall of Fame after joking about doing so in an interview.

Trump Warns Against Globalist Agendas in UN Address, Holds Bilaterals

President Trump speaks at the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the gathering focused on “peace, development, and human rights.”

What to Know About Changes to Foreign Workers’ H-1B Visa Program

Trump announced new fee structure for obtaining an H-1B visa. Companies will pay a one-time fee of $100,000 for importing a foreign worker under program.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central