Title: Texas Republicans Disband Harris County Election Administrator’s Office Ahead of 2022 Elections
Introduction:
In a move criticized as a power grab by Texas Republicans, the election administrator’s office in Harris County, home to Houston and the state’s most populous county, has been dismantled to comply with a new state law. The law, known as SB 1750, transfers responsibility for elections and voter registration to the county clerk and the county tax assessor-collector. Critics argue that the Republican-led legislature is trying to disrupt how elections are run in the traditionally red state’s increasingly blue bastion.
Content:
The elimination of the election administrator’s position comes just weeks before the start of early voting for the race for Houston mayor and other local offices. This marks one of several efforts by Republicans across the country to exert more control over election administration in anticipation of the consequential 2024 presidential and congressional contests.
Another state law, SB 1933, also passed this year, allows the Texas secretary of state, appointed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, to order “administrative oversight” of a county elections office if complaints are filed and a recurring pattern of problems is identified.
These laws specifically target counties with populations over 3.5 million and 4 million, respectively, which only applies to Harris County. Critics claim that the motive behind these laws is to suppress the vote and reduce the impact of the county on elections in Texas.
Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston-area Republican and the sponsor of both laws, defended the measure as a response to irregularities observed in last year’s contests. He cited ballot-paper shortages and a discrepancy in mail-in votes during the March 2022 primary as examples.
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee filed a lawsuit to block SB 1750, arguing that it violated the state’s constitution by disbanding the election administrator’s position only in Harris County while leaving similar structures intact in other parts of the state. Although the county secured a temporary injunction, the state appealed and the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect. The challenge from Menefee is still pending, with oral arguments scheduled for late November.
Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously authorized the transfer of employees, funds, and equipment from the elections office to the agencies responsible for carrying out those duties under the new law. The county officials who will now oversee the election process assure a smooth transition to avoid disruptions for the upcoming November 7 election.
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s office will handle election administration, while Tax Assessor-Collector Ann Harris Bennett’s office will maintain voter rolls. Both officials are Democrats who were elected to their posts and previously handled these duties before the creation of the elections administrator position in 2020.
Critics express concern about the last-minute change so close to Election Day, highlighting the challenges of running a large-scale election without sufficient time for preparation. Despite their concerns, Hudspeth and Bennett are determined to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Early voting in Harris County is set to begin on October 23.
Conclusion:
The disbanding of the election administrator’s office in Harris County has raised concerns about potential disruptions in the upcoming elections. Critics view the move as part of a broader Republican effort to exert control over election administration. With the legal battle ongoing, all eyes will be on Harris County as it navigates these changes and strives to ensure a smooth electoral process.