Texas Democratic Party: Moving Texas Forward

Continues to Drag His Feet on Signed Legal Settlement

Below is a statement from Texas Democratic Party Chair Boy Richie regarding Houston Chronicle report yesterday that Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Leo Vasquez has yet to follow through on a legal agreement reached with the Texas Democratic Party and post online all pending voter registration applications, as well as any reason for a rejection or notice of incomplete application:

“It’s a shame that it took a lawsuit and instruction from the Department of Justice for Leo Vasquez to do his job. But it’s even more shameful that he is dragging his feet on implementing provisions he gave his word to uphold in a legal settlement last October.

“This is merely par for the course when it comes to the Harris County Voter Registrar’s office, where politics always trumps the people under the leadership of Leo Vasquez and his predecessor, Paul Bettencourt, who is now leading Republican Party countywide campaign efforts.  By delaying the release of these records, Vasquez is also enhancing his own political career, as this information could no doubt benefit his Republican primary opponent’s campaign.

“Most importantly, Leo Vasquez’s failed leadership is currently preventing voters from easily checking their registration application status and ensuring their right to vote is not determined by political operatives behind closed doors.

“Additionally, Leo Vasquez’s claim that his office was already in compliance with his signed agreement is a cynical attempt to mislead voters.  Before the Texas Democratic Party stood up for Harris County voters and held Mr. Vasquez accountable for the mismanagement of his office, the Voter Registrar’s department was a political entity that actually made it harder for people to vote and employed Republican political consultants like Ed Johnson, who along with GOP State Representative Dwayne Bohac, have used county data to further their political and business interests.

“The Texas Democratic Party only entered this settlement because it specifically requires Harris County to end practices we believe were responsible for rejecting tens of thousands voter registration applications in the county last year.  Given the lagging efforts of Leo Vasquez, we will consider any necessary option to monitor the Harris County Voter Registration process to make sure this agreement is enforced and the rights of voters are protected.”

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