Texas judge rules all Texans can apply to vote by mail

[mystery-ak]

Texas judge rules all Texans can apply to vote by mail
By Marty Johnson - 05/19/20 08:49 PM EDT

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that all Texans can apply to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic, after the state's Supreme Court, in separate litigation, blocked the expansion of absentee voting last week.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery sided with the Texas Democratic Party, saying that to follow existing state absentee voting rules, in which you have to be 65 or older or have a stated disability, would put unconstitutional and illegal burdens on Texas voters.

"Americans now seek Life without fear of pandemic, Liberty to choose their leaders in an environment free of disease and the pursuit of Happiness without undue restrictions," Biery wrote in his order. “There are now some among us who would, if they could, nullify those aspirational ideas to return to the not so halcyon and not so thrilling days of yesteryear of the Divine Right of Kings.”

more
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/498664-texas-judge-rules-that-all-texans-can-apply-to-vote-by-mail

[libertybele]

Unfortunately, I anticipate that a lot of states are going to follow suit.  Definitely not a good thing.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

This isn't a judge, this is a charlatan politician

[Elderberry]

Texas mail-in voting temporarily expanded — again — as federal judge overrules state Supreme Court

Houston Chronicle by  Taylor Goldenstein May 19, 2020

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/texas_legislature/article/Texas-mail-in-voting-temporarily-expanded-15281802.php

U.S. District Court Judge Fred Biery on Tuesday granted the Texas Democratic Party's motion to temporarily allow counties to issue mail-in ballots to voters concerned about the risk of contracting COVID-19 at a polling place in upcoming elections.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office represents the state, expressed his disapproval with the order Tuesday. Paxton has argued that risk of catching COVID-19 is not the same as having a “sickness or physical condition,” as the state election code defines “disability.”

“The district court’s opinion ignores the evidence and disregards well-established law,” Paxton said. “We will seek immediate review by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.”

More at link.