Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has rolled out a new public email tipline, [email protected], and an updated voter advisory that spells out who can legally register and vote in Texas and what kinds of election help can get you in serious trouble. Paxton is billing the move as part of his Election Integrity Initiative and says his office will investigate credible reports of illegal voting activity ahead of the state’s March primary. The guidance calls out vote harvesting and false citizenship claims as conduct that can trigger criminal investigations.
The attorney general’s office packaged the advisory and tipline in a press release meant to help citizens and local officials navigate the Texas Election Code. According to the Office of the Attorney General, the tipline email is [email protected], and the advisory is directed at both voters and government entities that want clarity on election law.
What’s in the Advisory
The guidance reiterates that only U.S. citizens who are Texas residents may register and vote, and it warns that lying about citizenship or falsifying residence details is illegal. It also labels certain forms of third-party ballot collection as criminal vote harvesting. As reported by FOX 7 Austin, the advisory also reminds voters they have the right to cast their ballot in private and lays out penalties that can include jail time and fines.
Why Now
Paxton’s renewed push lands just as Texas heads into its March primary, and shortly after his office notched a legal win that upheld the state’s ban on paid ballot harvesting. The timing also overlaps with Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign, and the March 3 primary is shaping up as an early test of his statewide standing, according to The Texas Tribune.
Critics Push Back
Civil-rights groups and some local officials are not exactly cheering. They have warned that aggressive enforcement and headline-grabbing investigations could intimidate voters in Latino and immigrant communities and chill turnout, the Dallas Morning News reported. Advocates say anyone who believes they were wrongly targeted or denied the right to vote should reach out to voter-protection hotlines and legal aid groups.
Legal Implications
The advisory underscores that violations of the Texas Election Code can carry stiff penalties, including prison time and fines, and that both the OAG and local prosecutors may pursue cases when they think the evidence backs it up. As reported by the Associated Press and reproduced by KXXV/AP, Paxton said, “Under my watch, there will be no stolen elections in Texas.”
Where to Report
Paxton’s office says tips about suspected illegal voting should be emailed to [email protected], and the advisory points people to the Texas Secretary of State or local prosecutors when that is the more appropriate route. For additional local coverage, see KENS5, and consider contacting voter-protection hotlines if you need assistance at the polls.
