Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the creation of a tip line for reporting suspected voter fraud two weeks before the primary elections. In a February news release, Paxton stated, "Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of a thriving republic...we will stop at nothing to uncover and stop any illegal voting activity." The announcement included guidance on Texas election laws, emphasizing the requirement to be a U.S. citizen and prohibiting the collection of mail ballots on behalf of others.
However, records obtained by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune indicate that Paxton may have voted using an address where he did not reside during six elections over the past two years. His estranged wife, Angela Paxton, stated in a divorce filing that he moved out of their home in Collin County a year prior, yet he continues to list that address for voter registration. A source close to the Paxtons reported that he has not returned to the home since leaving.
The exact location of Paxton's residence over the past two years is unclear, but reports suggest he has been linked to a property in Denton County since February. Three election lawyers indicated that Paxton may have violated the same Texas laws his office warned against in its release.
ProPublica and the Tribune attempted to contact Paxton's campaign multiple times regarding his voter registration status but received no direct answers. Instead, a campaign spokesperson stated that Paxton has been a national leader on election integrity, dismissing the inquiries as unfounded.
Voting while ineligible is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, election lawyers noted that proving such cases is challenging. Texas law allows individuals to remain registered if their absence from the registered address is temporary and they intend to return.
Experts suggest that Paxton's public separation from his wife complicates any argument regarding his intent to return to the registered address. David Becker, a former voting rights lawyer, emphasized that the chief law enforcement officer should be well-versed in residency laws related to voting. Paxton has previously advocated for strict enforcement of election fraud laws, including actions against voters who allegedly falsified residency information.