Imagine the audacity of high school civics teachers encouraging their students to vote, even going so far as to make a class field trip to the polls!
Our Attorney General Ken Paxton offers his (non-binding) opinion that this constitutes “unlawful electioneering” although the educators do not engage in any partisan discussions. Texas law already requires high school administrators to make an effort to register eligible students. Given Texas’ abysmal voter turnout, this seems to be a reasonable and responsible exercise; introducing the students to their duty as American citizens to vote.
Given the transparent voter suppression tactics in Texas, ranging from hyper-partisan gerrymandering to skewed voter ID requirements, the AG’s opinion is understandable. He fears that if voter turnout among young people increases, it will be harder for the special interests to control the state.
Charles Stonick
Granbury
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