Texas judge rules against AG on voter registration mailings

A district court judge in San Antonio ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to prevent Bexar County from mailing voter registration applications to unregistered voters. The ruling came after Bexar County had already sent out approximately 210,000 applications, following a plan approved by county commissioners on September 3. Paxton had filed a lawsuit claiming that the mass mailing of unsolicited voter registration applications was illegal, but county officials maintained that their actions were legally justified. Judge Antonia Arteaga dismissed Paxton's request for a temporary restraining order and injunction, deeming it moot since the applications had already been mailed. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the county's confidence in their legal position. The applications were sent out through a contract with Civic Government Solutions, an outside vendor. This legal battle is part of a broader trend in Texas, where Republican leaders are challenging initiatives in predominantly Democratic cities aimed at increasing voter accessibility. Paxton has also initiated similar legal actions against Travis County, which includes Austin, as part of this larger effort. The outcome of this case may have implications for future voter registration efforts in Texas, particularly in urban areas where local governments are seeking to enhance voter participation. The ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between state officials and local jurisdictions regarding voting rights and access.