Harris and Travis counties are getting ready for possible intervention from state or federal government before Election Day. The preparation comes as the Trump administration is seeking 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 has set up an election protection legal taskforce of more than 30 attorneys, according to an interview with Houston Public Media. Kamin said the team includes former U.S. Department of Justice employees and outside counsel Chad Dunn. She pointed to a video statement from U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz, who said, "If you violate federal election law, I will hunt you down and prosecute you." Kamin, a Democrat running for re-election against Republican Jacqueline Smith, said the county will not allow any agency to trample on the rights of eligible voters.
Gov. Greg Abbott's office declined to respond to Kamin's comments. The Texas Secretary of State's office did not respond, and Paxton's office did not respond to questions. The Travis County Attorney's Office said it has made similar preparations, and Dallas County said it has not pre-authorized any legal action.