Preemption of Local Authority is Out of Control
Joyce LeBombard | Published on 5/1/2023
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2023
Contact Information:
Joyce LeBombard
President, League of Women Voters of Texas
512-585-4090
jlebombard@lwvtexas.org
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The League of Women Voters of Texas
Preemption of Local Authority is Out of Control
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AUSTIN, TX— In response to the alarming attacks on local government authority trending in the 88sth Legislative Session, League of Women Voters of Texas President Joyce LeBombard issued the following statement:
"Legislation currently in front of the Texas Legislature seeks to take over control from local governments and other vital local entities, including election administration. The League of Women Voters is alarmed at this proposed change as it threatens the trustworthy and transparent work of our local election officials.
The Texas Legislature proposes to rewrite the rules that have governed state and local relationships for decades. Lawmakers have re-adopted or proposed to re-adopt legislative district maps that significantly erode the representation of Texans in large population centers. In addition, they are debating sweeping legislation preempting local ordinances in significant areas such as natural resources, finance, and labor. These changes would be enforced through private action at the expense of local government.
The League is concerned about seeing the same pattern in elections. Real and perceived issues with election administration in Harris County in 2022 are being used as an excuse to subject election officials and election workers across the state to everything from increased criminal and civil liability to outright takeover by the State.
Examples include:
- Legislation allowing the Secretary of State to directly administer county elections based on a ‘good cause to believe,’ not actual evidence of fumbles in election administration;
- Legislation giving the Secretary of State the same power as a district court judge to order a new election;
- Legislation creating elections marshals to police local elections;
- Legislation allowing prosecution of election law violations in counties other than the county in which the alleged violation occurred;
The League remembers the axiom ‘Government is best that is closest to the people.’ Our lawmakers in the statehouse would do well to remember it also."
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About the League of Women Voters of Texas: The League of Women Voters is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. Formed in 1919, the Texas League represents more than 13,500 grassroots advocates and 34 local Leagues across the state. The League never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League also seeks to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to people 16 years and older. Learn more about the League of Women Voters of Texas at LWVTexas.org. |