Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(111,300 posts)
Thu May 21, 2020, 12:38 AM May 2020

Appeals Court Stymies Voting by Mail in Texas. Again.

One day after a U.S. district judge in San Antonio cleared the path for all Texans who want to vote by mail and avoid potential COVID-19 exposure later this year, a three-judge panel at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked their way.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery sided with voting rights groups who've argued that fear of the coronavirus amounts to a disability under Texas law, entitling those who want to stay home and vote the right to do so.

"One's right to vote should not be elusively based on the whims of nature. Citizens should have the option to choose voting by letter carrier versus voting with disease carriers. 'We the People' get just about the government and political leaders we deserve, but deserve to have a safe and unfettered vote to say what we get," Biery wrote in his opinion granting a preliminary injunction.

Texas Attorney Ken Paxton immediately appealed Biery's decision to the appeals court, arguing that vote-by-mail should be on ice until the matter is finally decided in court. Paxton argues that under Texas law voters must either be older than 65, out of their home county for the duration of early voting and election day or have a physical disability or illness in order to vote by mail.

Read more: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/5th-circuit-blocks-texas-mail-in-voting-11913116

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Appeals Court Stymies Voting by Mail in Texas. Again. (Original Post) TexasTowelie May 2020 OP
Kick. MontanaMama May 2020 #1
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Texas»Appeals Court Stymies Vot...