Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into allegations that certain organizations may be illegally registering noncitizens to vote.
The investigation, which has raised concerns about election integrity, focuses on activities reportedly conducted by nonprofit groups outside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.
The investigation aims to determine whether these organizations are unlawfully assisting noncitizens in registering to vote, which is a criminal act in Texas.
Paxton’s Election Integrity Unit is leading the investigation, employing undercover operations to uncover any illegal voter registration practices.
The operations have targeted nonprofit groups that have set up booths outside DPS Driver License offices, where they offer voter registration assistance to individuals renewing or obtaining identification cards or driver’s licenses.
The Attorney General’s office is questioning the motives of these nonprofit organizations. According to Paxton, eligible citizens already have the opportunity to register to vote during their visits to DPS offices, making the presence of these external voter registration booths suspect.
“Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections,” Paxton said. “If eligible citizens can legally register to vote when conducting their business at a DPS office, why would they need a second opportunity to register with a booth outside?”
The investigation is not limited to a single location but is being conducted across major metropolitan areas in Texas. Paxton emphasized that his office is taking every credible report seriously, seeking to uphold the integrity of the state's election process.
In Texas, it is a serious offense to register to vote or to assist someone in registering to vote if they are not a U.S. citizen and a Texas resident. Violations of this law can result in severe penalties, including state jail sentences of up to two years and fines of up to $10,000 for lying about citizenship status during voter registration.
Moreover, if a noncitizen votes or is assisted in voting, those involved could face even harsher penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and additional fines of up to $10,000. The ongoing undercover operations aim to uncover and address any such illegal activities.
Paxton has tied these alleged activities to broader national concerns, criticizing the Biden-Harris Administration for what he described as a lax approach to immigration. He expressed concerns that without proper safeguards, foreign nationals could illegally influence elections at various levels.
As the investigation continues, the outcome could have significant implications for future elections in Texas. The Attorney General’s office is committed to ensuring that any wrongdoing is met with the full force of the law. Paxton’s statements indicate that his office will pursue all potential leads to maintain the integrity of the state's election process.
This investigation is part of a broader effort by Paxton’s office to safeguard the electoral system in Texas. The actions taken by the Attorney General and his Election Integrity Unit are aimed at preventing illegal voting practices that could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has intentionally flooded our country with illegal aliens, and without proper safeguards, foreign nationals can illegally influence elections at the local, state, and national level,” Paxton said. He emphasized that his office would pursue any allegations of illegal voter registration to the fullest extent of the law.
As the investigation unfolds, the Attorney General’s office will likely release further details about the findings and any potential prosecutions. The ongoing undercover operations are expected to play a crucial role in uncovering the full extent of any illegal voter registration activities.
