Harris County to pursue election bill lawsuit against state following Commissioners Court vote

Harris County commissioners voted June 6 to pursue a lawsuit against the state after the 88th Texas Legislature passed two bills that would change the way Harris County elections run.

The background

The Harris County Attorney’s Office announced plans to sue the state May 24 over two bills passed during the 88th legislative session, which concluded May 29.

• With a 81-62 vote, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 1750 on May 23, effectively eliminating Harris County’s election administrator system. With the passing of SB 1750, election responsibilities will be directed to the Harris County tax assessor-collector and the county clerk.
• A second bill, SB 1933, which garnered a 81-51 vote, would allow the secretary of state’s office to oversee Harris County elections if an election complaint is filed.

Houston in Action—a network of community organization representatives—opposes the choice to eliminate Harris County’s election administrator position, according to a June 6 email from the organization.

“Everyone deserves equitable access to vote without challenges posed by the very people we elect. [SB] 1750 is a targeted bill that attacks the process to vote in the largest county in this state. ... We are already faced with a low voter turnout amongst young, Black voters but we are committed to promoting a fair election this November,” said Tanisha Manning, the founder of Engaged Voters and a member of Houston in Action, in a June 6 email.

Those opposed

At the June 6 Commissioners Court meeting, Precinct 1 resident Kim Sauke voiced her support for SB 1750.

“That bill would return the responsibility and accountability for the election and the management thereof. ... Elected officials—whether they’re a Democrat or Republican or independent—they are the ones [who] are to be held accountable and responsible for the management of elections. ... It should not be [with] an administrator,” Sauke said.