Ken Paxton issues warning on poll watchers

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion Monday reminding election officials that it is a crime to interfere with certain activities by poll watchers.

It’s an issue that has been magnified by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s calls for supporters to monitor polling places over concerns of voter fraud and a “rigged system,” while Democrats have voiced fears that pro-Trump poll watchers might improperly intimidate voters.

In Texas, as in many other states, there is a formal poll-watching system in place, as Paxton made clear in Monday’s opinion, saying state law allows appointed watchers to observe polling stations on behalf of a candidate or political party.

Election officials could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine, if they block official poll watchers from observing and inspecting voting equipment or the interaction between voters and poll workers, Paxton said. Poll watchers also may accompany election officers as they deliver records to vote counters.

Read more: http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/ken-paxton-issues-warning-on-poll-watchers/ns5KN/