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, he emphasized the importance of free and fair elections and outlined Texas election laws, including requirements for voter registration and residency. 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.
State Senator Angela Paxton mentioned in a divorce filing that Ken Paxton moved out of their Collin County home a year prior, yet he continues to list that address on his voter registration. It is reported that he has been linked to a residence in Denton County since February. Legal experts suggest that Paxton may have violated Texas election laws, which his office previously warned against.
ProPublica and The Tribune attempted to contact Paxton's campaign multiple times for clarification but received no direct answers. Instead, a campaign spokesperson defended Paxton's record on election integrity, dismissing the inquiries as unfounded. Under Texas law, voting while ineligible can result in severe penalties, but proving such cases is often challenging. Legal experts have noted that residency determinations can be complex, and the circumstances surrounding Paxton's situation may raise legal questions regarding his voter registration.
Paxton has previously enforced strict voter fraud laws, including prosecuting individuals for falsifying residency information to vote. The scrutiny of his voting registration comes amid his role as the state's chief law enforcement officer responsible for upholding election laws.