Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into reports that organizations operating in Texas may be unlawfully registering noncitizens to vote, in violation of state and federal law.
Investigators from the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit recently conducted undercover operations to identify potential voter registration of noncitizens. The investigation has confirmed that various nonprofit organizations have been located outside Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License offices, operating booths offering assistance in voter registration for individuals conducting business at these offices. Given that citizens are already presented with an opportunity to register to vote as part of the process of renewing or being issued an identification card or driver’s license, the presence of these booths raises questions about the motives of the nonprofit groups.
“Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections. If eligible citizens can legally register to vote when conducting their business at a DPS office, why would they need a second opportunity to register with a booth outside? My office is investigating every credible report we receive regarding potential criminal activity that could compromise the integrity of our elections. The Biden-Harris Administration has intentionally flooded our country with illegal aliens, and without proper safeguards, foreign nationals can illegally influence elections at the local, state, and national level. It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States Citizen. Any wrongdoing will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton.
In Texas, it is a crime to lie about your citizenship when you register to vote or help someone else do so. Offenders can be sentenced up to two years in state jail and fined up to $10,000. Voting in Texas if you are not a United States citizen and a Texas resident or helping someone who is not eligible can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The undercover operations have been conducted throughout major metropolitan areas of Texas and are ongoing.