In the lead-up to this year’s primary elections, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a tip line for reporting suspected voter fraud. Emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections Paxton’s office highlighted the necessity of adhering to election laws, including the requirement to vote from one’s actual residence.
However, records obtained by investigative journalists suggest that Paxton may have voted in six elections over the past two years using an address in Collin County where he no longer resides. This revelation comes amidst his contentious divorce from State Sen. Angela Paxton who filed for divorce in 2026, alleging adultery and stating that Paxton had moved out of their Collin County home a year prior.
Allegations of Residency Violations
Three election lawyers have expressed concerns that Paxton’s actions may violate the same Texas laws his office has vigorously enforced. The attorneys note that voting from an address where one does not reside is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, prosecuting such cases is challenging due to the difficulty in proving intent.
Despite repeated attempts to contact Paxton’s campaign for comment, the only response received was a statement from campaign spokesperson Madison Cercy who defended Paxton’s record on election integrity. Cercy’s statement did not address the specific allegations but instead criticized the reporting as a baseless, lie-filled tabloid story.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Election lawyer Beth Stevens who has worked for the Harris County Clerk and the Texas Civil Rights Project explained that temporary absences do not necessarily invalidate a voter’s registration. However, she cautioned that actions suggesting a permanent move could raise legal questions. David Becker director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research emphasized the importance of Paxton, as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, adhering to election laws.
Paxton’s history of advocating for strict enforcement of election fraud laws adds complexity to the situation. In 2018, his office prosecuted nine individuals for allegedly voting from incorrect addresses in a municipal election in Edinburg. However, the charges were later dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Paxton’s Living Arrangements and Voting Practices
Investigative reports have linked Paxton to a home in Denton County since February. The property, purchased by a trust, has raised questions about Paxton’s living arrangements and his connection to the trust. Despite these links, Paxton remains registered to vote in Collin County and has voted there twice since February.
Paxton’s opponent in the Senate race, Democratic State Rep. James Talarico has criticized Paxton’s actions. Talarico’s campaign highlighted Paxton’s apparent disregard for the same election integrity measures he has championed. However, Talarico’s own voter registration practices have also come under scrutiny, with Paxton’s campaign pointing to Talarico’s opposition to certain voter identification requirements.
The situation underscores the complexities of election laws and the scrutiny faced by public officials. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the integrity of the electoral process and the actions of those tasked with upholding it.
