Two of Texas' largest counties are preparing for possible intervention from the state or federal government before Election Day. The preparations come as the Trump administration seeks to intervene in elections in California and Alaska, and as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office challenges get-out-the-vote efforts in Harris County.
Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin said she has set up an election protection legal taskforce of more than 30 attorneys. The team includes former U.S. Department of Justice employees, and Kamin said she brought in voting rights attorney Chad Dunn as outside counsel. She also said additional experts, whom she did not name, will focus on threats from the federal government. Kamin pointed to a video statement from U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz, who said in the statement that he would prosecute anyone who violates federal election law. Kamin is a Democrat running for re-election against Republican Jacqueline Smith.
Gov. Greg Abbott's office declined to respond to Kamin's comments, and the Texas Secretary of State's office did not respond. Paxton's office also did not respond to questions. The Travis County Attorney's Office said it has made similar preparations. Spokeswoman Diana Melendez said the county has the authority to file proactive litigation to protect the right to vote if needed. Dallas County administrator Darryl Martin said the county has not pre-authorized any legal action, but the District Attorney would act if necessary.