Harris County Voters Can Expect Mail-Ballot Applications to be Mailed Court Rules

The Harris County District Court ruled today that the Harris County Clerk can continue to execute their plan to send more than 2 million mail-ballot applications to registered voters.

This is a win for every registered voter in Harris County, and indeed, every voter in Texas — the right to vote is the most fundamental aspect of our democracy…I urge the Attorney General not to appeal this decision — these partisan tactics undercut our democracy and will place millions of Texans’ health at risk.

– Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins

In Texas, only those 65 or older, in jail, with a disability or outside of the country can vote by mail. It is the disability part of the Texas rules that is being applied by the Clerk’s office. There are no restrictions prevents voters claiming a disability out of fear of contracting COVID-19 because of their health complications.

Read the full Texas Signal story below.

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BREAKING: Judge rules Harris County can send out mail ballot applications

Fernando Ramirez September 11, 2020

In a loss for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Harris County District Court ruled Friday that Harris County can legally send out vote-by-mail applications to all registered voters.

Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is planning on sending more than 2 million mail-ballot applications to registered voters — an effort that drew the ire of the indicted Texas attorney general, leading to a court battle in state district court.

“This is a win for every registered voter in Harris County, and indeed, every voter in Texas — the right to vote is the most fundamental aspect of our democracy,” said Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins in a prepared statement. “We are still enduring a global pandemic ahead of the most consequential election of our lifetime, and voters are concerned about their health and the health of their loved ones. Providing clear information about vote-by-mail eligibility requirements increases voter awareness, and we want to ensure that those who determine themselves eligible can easily apply for a mail ballot and make their voice heard this November. I urge the Attorney General not to appeal this decision — these partisan tactics undercut our democracy and will place millions of Texans’ health at risk.”

In Texas, only those 65 or older, in jail, with a disability or outside of the country can vote by mail. Texas is one of six states that has not eased restrictions to allow any voter to use mail ballots

Despite Texas’ voting restrictions, there is nothing on the books that prevents voters from considering their health history in their application and claiming a disability out of fear of contracting COVID-19 because of those health complications. Vote-by-mail applications in Texas are remarkably simple — voters need only check a box to claim a disability — and that choice cannot be legally scrutinized or investigated by election officials. 

The last day to apply for a mail ballot (received and not postmarked) is Friday, October 23, 2020.