AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Texas Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Houston election officials can’t send its two million registered voters mail-in ballot applications ahead of the November 3rd election, according to the Associated Press.
The court heard oral arguments in the state’s lawsuit against Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins.
Attorneys argued Hollins over stepped his legal authority when he announced plans to send the ballot applications out.
County attorneys argued Hollins was trying to provide some guidance on how voters could cast their ballots, as many are concerned about in-person voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court’s decision is the latest blow to Democrats who have been trying to change Texas voting laws amid the pandemic.
Several courts had ruled that fear of contracting COVID-19 is not a qualifier for mail-in ballots. Current qualifiers are those who are 65 or older, the sick and disabled.
Texas is one of five states not allowing widespread mail-in voting in this election.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott was sued after he ordered all Texas counties to only offer one drop-off box for absentee ballots, forcing larger counties like Harris and Dallas to close dozens of drop-off locations.
Abbott argued the order is an effort to protect the integrity of the election.
Copyright 2020. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
