Texas AG Challenges Biden: New Lawsuit on Voter Verification Laws

Gavel on U.S. Constitution with flag backdrop.

A legal battle looms as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confronts the Biden administration over voter citizenship verification.

At a Glance

  • Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over citizenship verification of 450,000 voters.
  • Paxton argues the federal government obstructs Texas’s ability to ensure fair elections.
  • The Department of Homeland Security, among others, is named in the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit emerges amid early voting and electoral tensions.

The Core of the Lawsuit

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for allegedly failing to assist Texas in verifying the citizenship status of registered voters. This legal action, spearheaded by Paxton, arises from challenges in obtaining voter-related data from federal entities. Paxton insists this information is crucial for verifying the citizenship of up to 450,000 individuals through the Department of Homeland Security’s USCIS’s SAVE program. The lawsuit implicates key federal offices, including DHS and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

At the heart of the lawsuit is the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) alleged failure to respond to repeated requests for information. Despite DHS suggesting that states like Texas utilize the USCIS SAVE program for voter verification, Paxton argues that it fails to adequately meet Texas’s needs. The attorney general claims the withholding of data undermines Texas’s efforts to maintain accurate and lawful voter rolls.

Federal and State Divide

Paxton’s lawsuit not only targets the Biden administration but also highlights broader tensions between federal mandates and state governance. While Texas pushes for federal data access, the DHS maintains its stance, leading to friction between the state’s demand for fair elections and federal data protection policies. The lawsuit, coming shortly before the election, adds to the political and legal complexities facing Texas amid early voting.

Paxton’s insistence on receiving federal assistance before the elections has stirred debate. Critics claim that the GOP’s actions can be interpreted as voter intimidation tactics. Meanwhile, Paxton stresses that his efforts focus on removing potentially ineligible voters, not lawful citizens. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has joined as a co-plaintiff in this legal pursuit, demonstrating state dedication to preserving electoral integrity amidst the allegations.

Political Implications

As Paxton seeks judicial redress, the lawsuit underscores ongoing debates over election integrity and citizens’ voting rights. It reflects Republican vigilance about illegal noncitizen voting, a concern amplified despite being rare. Experts contend there’s no evidence suggesting noncitizen voting affects election outcomes, countering Republican narratives of potential voter fraud. The legal battle stands as a critical test of Paxton’s legal strategy and its implications for future state-federal elections disputes.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has refused to comply with federal law, presenting yet another obstacle for Texas to overcome in ensuring free and fair elections in our state. The law demands that they provide important information regarding the citizenship of nearly half a million potentially ineligible voters. Since the Biden-Harris Administration has chosen to ignore the law, I will see them in court.” – Ken Paxton

This high-profile case reflects broader election law conflicts, emphasizing federal and state roles in safeguarding electoral processes. Paxton argues for timely action to address federal non-compliance, crucial for upholding free and fair elections in Texas. As proceedings unfold, outcomes could set precedents for state-level election security measures, shaping future dialogue and policy frameworks at both state and national levels.

Sources:

  1. Texas sues Biden administration for not verifying 450K ‘potentially ineligible’ voters’ citizenship
  2. Texas sues Biden administration for not providing data on noncitizens