🗳️📜 Texas Attorney General Sues Biden Administration Over Citizenship Data for Voter Verification
🗳️📜 Texas Attorney General Sues Biden Administration Over Citizenship Data for Voter Verification
🗳️📋 Ground Game Files Ethics Complaint Against McAllen Mayor as Voting Begins on Key Measures 🗳️🔒 Texas Prepares for November 5 Elections with Paper Ballots and Enhanced Security Measures
🗳️🔒 Texas Prepares for November 5 Elections with Paper Ballots and Enhanced Security Measures
María Méndez, Texas Tribune. - As Texas gears up for the November 5 elections, state officials emphasize using paper ballots and heightened security protocols to ensure a safe voting process amidst rising concerns over misinformation. Only six counties will rely on direct-recording electronic (DRE) machines without a paper trail. In contrast, the remaining counties will utilize hybrid systems, allowing voters to verify their choices on paper. This shift, mandated by a 2021 state law requiring all voting machines to produce a paper trail by 2026, aims to bolster public confidence. Officials conduct rigorous testing and maintain security measures, including securing voting systems from internet access to prevent hacking. Despite the challenges posed by misinformation, election administrators are optimistic that the measures will uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Texas.
🗳️📜 Texas Attorney General Sues Biden Administration Over Citizenship Data for Voter Verification
Kayla Guo, The Texas Tribune. - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, accusing it of failing to assist the state in verifying the citizenship status of registered voters. Paxton's action comes just weeks before the election, highlighting ongoing Republican concerns about noncitizen voting, which they claim undermines election integrity. Despite acknowledging that noncitizen voting is rare and illegal, Paxton argues that federal law mandates cooperation in these verifications. The lawsuit critiques the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, asserting it is inadequate for comprehensive voter list maintenance. Democrats argue that such crackdowns on perceived noncitizen voting intimidate voters and may suppress turnout. Recent claims from Texas officials about removing ineligible voters have been scrutinized, with investigations suggesting these figures may be exaggerated or incorrect, raising concerns about the political motivations behind these actions.
🗳️📋 Ground Game Files Ethics Complaint Against McAllen Mayor as Voting Begins on Key Measures
Dina Arévalo, The Monitor. - As voting commences on significant ballot measures in McAllen, Texas, Ground Game Texas has filed an ethics complaint against Mayor Javier Villalobos. The complaint alleges the mayor violated Texas election law by participating in an unregistered political action committee opposing Propositions A and B, which aim to implement campaign finance reform and direct democracy powers. Villalobos has publicly opposed the measures, claiming they could harm the city, while Ground Game contends his actions highlight the need for reform. The group’s complaint points to the mayor’s lack of compliance with state campaign finance law and the absence of transparency regarding the funding sources for the opposition campaign. Villalobos has denied leading a PAC but acknowledged that one is forming to counter the measures. As tensions rise, the election outcome remains critical for McAllen’s political landscape.
🔫💔 Brothers Sentenced to Life for Murdering Sister and Her Family in Tijuana Massacre
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune. - Half-brothers Christopher Baltezar Hernandez and Victor Armondo Aguilar received severe sentences for their roles in the brutal murder of their sister, Jazmen Hernandez, her husband, and their three young children in December 2021. U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez sentenced Baltezar Hernandez to six consecutive life terms, while Aguilar received 45 years in prison. The killings, described as a "massacre," stemmed from a family feud following their father's death, a suspected drug trafficker. The brothers admitted to ambushing the family while armed, executing the crimes with cold calculation. Prosecutors detailed their actions as premeditated and depraved, emphasizing the callous nature of the murders. Despite difficult upbringings, the judge maintained that such circumstances did not excuse their heinous acts, underscoring the horrific planning that went into the attack.
⚔️📰 SEDENA Confirms Death of 19 in Culiacán Clash During Arrest of Notorious Drug Operative
Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, Zeta. - The Mexican Army confirmed on October 22, 2024, that 19 individuals died in a confrontation with armed civilians during the arrest of Edwin Antonio Rubio López, also known as “El Max,” linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The operation occurred on October 21 in the rural community of Plan de Oriente, near Culiacán. The Army reported that they seized weapons, tactical gear, and vehicles during the operation as part of a broader effort to enhance public safety. Armed members of the cartel reportedly attacked military personnel, prompting a response that led to the fatalities. The military stated it acted within the law, emphasizing adherence to human rights. El Max, identified as a key figure within the cartel’s “Mayo Zambada” faction, was detained, and both he and the confiscated items were handed over to the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation.