In August, I became aware of what appeared to be a concerted effort to interfere in the political process within Bexar County. Accordingly, I asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for an opinion in order to help better define the scope of the powers of a Texas Criminal District Attorney in the prosecution of those federal officials who knowingly violate Texas election laws in an attempt to disenfranchise Texas voters. Mr. Paxton has decided he will not issue an opinion for 180 days, well beyond the November General Election. Since I have sent that request, the U.S. House Oversight Committee has begun an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and his handling of the postal service. The Committee and I have a shared concern: the appearance that the United States Postal Service has been instructed to delay delivery of mail, including mail-in ballots, in an effort to interfere with the upcoming election. I am disappointed Attorney General Paxton does not share the same concerns, but I continue to consider options to protect the right of every Bexar County resident to fully and freely participate in our democratic process without unlawful barriers, intimidation or interference from others.
I want to encourage all eligible voters in Bexar County to register to vote by the deadline Monday, October 5, 2020, so that you are able to fully participate in our democracy and join the discussion about our shared future.
If you have questions related to registering to vote, voting by mail (formerly called “absentee voting”), the sample ballot, early voting locations and hours, as well as how to participate in the election process, you can find more information online at elections.bexar.org. You may also contact the Bexar County Elections Office by phone at 210-335-VOTE (8683).
If you are voting in person, please remember that electioneering/campaigning within 100 feet of the entrance of the building in which a polling place is located is against the law. This may include wearing a badge, insignia, emblem or other device relating to a candidate, measure or political party. Some other Texas Election Code violations include:
- Unlawfully influencing/coercing voters;
- Voting illegally;
- Harassing election officials;
- Using a wireless communication device within 100 feet of a polling place.
If you see a potential violation of these or any other election laws, report this activity to law enforcement so that it may be properly investigated.
A critical component of our democracy is peaceful public discussion of issues that affect us at local, state and federal levels and our mutual participation in decision about how our government should be run by exercising our right to vote. I encourage you to do so.