| Houston, Texas — The Texas Legislature advanced Senate Bill 1993, which would allow the Secretary of State to order a redo of elections in Harris County. If passed, this law would apply to only Harris County, home to more than 4.7 million people. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, elected as the chief civil lawyer for the county, issued the following statement in response: “Voting is one of the most important freedoms we have in this country. Harris County voters should not have to worry that a state official handpicked by Governor Abbott may set their votes aside, disregard election results, and require a redo of an election. The Texas Constitution prohibits the legislature from passing laws that target one local government, putting their personal grudges over their duty to set good policy for the entire state. My office is ready to fight this unconstitutional bill should it become law in this state. Republican legislators in Austin are attacking Harris County because they could not win the hearts and minds of our voters in last year’s election. We will not stand for state leaders attempting to silence the voice of the third largest county in the nation. Elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and the will of the people should be respected.” |