AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the launch of an investigation into reports that certain organizations within Texas are unlawfully registering noncitizens to vote. This investigation comes amidst growing concerns that these activities could undermine the integrity of both state and federal elections.
The Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit has recently conducted undercover operations aimed at identifying potential illegal voter registrations. These operations revealed that several nonprofit organizations had set up voter registration booths outside Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices. These booths were allegedly assisting individuals, including noncitizens, in registering to vote, despite Texas law requiring that only U.S. citizens and state residents be allowed to participate in the voting process.
"Texans are deeply troubled by the possibility that organizations purporting to assist with voter registration are illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our elections," stated Attorney General Paxton. He questioned the necessity of such booths, noting, "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?"
Paxton expressed concern that these activities could be part of a broader scheme to compromise the integrity of Texas elections. "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," he added.
The Attorney General made it clear that voting or registering to vote as a noncitizen is a criminal offense in Texas. He warned that any individuals or organizations found guilty of such activities would face the full force of the law. "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," Paxton emphasized.
In Texas, individuals caught lying about their citizenship during voter registration can be sentenced to up to 180 days in state jail and fined up to $10,000. Assisting a noncitizen in voting or registering to vote is an even more severe offense, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The investigation is ongoing, with undercover operations conducted throughout major metropolitan areas of Texas.
