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Discussion #1 centers on the complexities of voting during a pandemic, focusing on Texas election laws and recent legal developments. Prior to COVID-19, Texas allowed mail-in ballots primarily for voters aged 65 and above, disabled individuals, and those out of the county on Election Day, with strict requirements such as notarization of mail-in ballot applications (Texas Secretary of State, 2019). The pandemic prompted legal challenges, leading a judge to temporarily loosen mail-in ballot rules, allowing broader access to curb virus transmission (CNN, 2020). This legal decision could significantly influence upcoming elections by expanding ballot accessibility. Governor Greg Abbott and others opposing the injunction argue it risks voter fraud and undermines election integrity (Abbott, 2020). Conversely, supporters believe these measures are necessary for public health. I tend to agree that adaptive safeguards are essential but must be balanced with ensuring election security. The Texas Tribune reports that measures like early voting, expanded mail-in options, and enhanced sanitation at polling sites are being considered to safeguard voters (Texas Tribune, 2020). Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is skeptical about altering voting procedures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict election laws to prevent fraud. These safeguards, however, may not fully alleviate voters’ concerns about health risks. The ongoing lawsuit underscores the politicization of public health, with Democrats advocating for more accessible mail-in ballots to ensure voter participation amid COVID-19, while Republicans prefer to uphold stricter voting laws to prevent alleged voter fraud (Texas Observer, 2020). The Texas Observer discusses online voting as a controversial and untested option, with security concerns being paramount (Texas Observer, 2020). Overall, as a potential voter, I believe that ensuring safe access to voting is crucial—balancing security and public health without compromising democratic participation.

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Questions surrounding voting procedures during a pandemic, particularly in Texas, highlight the tensions between maintaining election integrity and ensuring public health safety. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Texas' mail-in ballot laws were relatively restrictive, limited to specific groups such as seniors, disabled individuals, and absent voters, requiring notarization and strict documentation (Texas Secretary of State, 2019). However, the onset of the pandemic prompted legal challenges and judicial interventions to expand mail-in voting eligibility temporarily, aiming to reduce health risks associated with in-person voting (CNN, 2020). The judge's ruling allowing broader access to absentee ballots has the potential to impact upcoming elections by increasing voter participation, but it also raises concerns about possible voter fraud. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other opponents argue that loosening voting rules compromises election security, alleging that expanded mail-in ballots could lead to voter fraud and undermine democratic processes (Abbott, 2020). Supporters, however, emphasize that these measures are necessary to protect voters and election workers from COVID-19, advocating for safety protocols at polling sites such as sanitization, social distancing, and increased early voting options (Texas Tribune, 2020). Ken Paxton, Texas' Attorney General, remains skeptical about changing voting procedures, stressing the importance of strict laws to prevent fraud, but critics argue that such laws can disenfranchise vulnerable populations, especially during a health crisis.

The role of politics in these legal battles is significant, as access to mail-in ballots tends to benefit Democratic voters, who generally favor expanded voting access, while Republicans favor maintaining strict laws to curb purported voter fraud (Texas Observer, 2020). Democratic Party advocates argue that easier access to mail-in ballots fosters greater electoral participation, particularly among minority and vulnerable groups, which aligns with broader goals of equitable representation. Conversely, the Republican Party positions itself around the premise of safeguarding election integrity through tighter restrictions, often citing concerns about voter fraud (Texas Observer, 2020). The possibility of online voting remains highly contentious; the Texas Observer discusses the security vulnerabilities of online voting systems, noting that cyber threats could undermine election integrity if such systems were implemented (Texas Observer, 2020). Overall, from a voter's perspective, ensuring safety and fairness in voting processes is crucial. While expanding mail-in voting may improve accessibility and protect public health, robust security measures are essential to maintain trust in the electoral system.

References

• Abbott, G. (2020). Statement on voting law. Texas Governor's Office. https://gov.texas.gov/news
• CNN. (2020). Texas judge orders expanded mail-in voting. CNN Politics. https://edition.cnn.com
• Texas Secretary of State. (2019). Texas Election Code. https://sos.texas.gov/elections/laws/
• Texas Tribune. (2020). Voting during COVID-19: Safeguards and challenges. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org
• Texas Observer. (2020). Online voting and election security debates. Texas Observer. https://www.texasobserver.org
• Texas Attorney General. (2020). Statement on election procedures. Office of the Attorney General. https://texasattorneygeneral.gov
• United States Elections Project. (2019). Voter turnout data. https://www.electionsproject.org
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission. (2019). Voting safeguards. https://www.eac.gov
• National Conference of State Legislatures. (2020). Mail ballot policies. https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/mail-voting.aspx
• FEC. (2020). Voting procedures during COVID-19. Federal Election Commission. https://www.fec.gov