The Office of Attorney General Ken Paxton is actively suing seven Texas school districts for illegal electioneering. Hutto, Denton, Castelberry, Frisco, Aledo, Huffman, and Denson independent school districts are under fire after separate reports of direct violations of Texas Election code 85.036. In laymen’s terms, this code makes it a violation to post or distribute political signs or literature within one hundred feet of an early voting site. It also prohibits the use of state or local funds to support a running candidate or campaign.
The current suits are part of a long-term effort by the Texas Attorney General to end a history of electioneering violations.
Hutto ISD was sued due to using state sources to advocate for certain political policies. In this case, the state sources refer to a social media posting highlighting a preferred voting decision for all to consider. Denton ISD was sued after a principal used their official email address from the district to encourage their staff to vote against candidates who stood against policies she personally supports. During a meeting at Hargrove High School in Huffman ISD, a superintendent literally instructed their staff to vote specifically for sixteen politicians. The superintendent even went as far as distributing lists with the candidates’ information to ensure the attendees remember exactly who they should vote for in the upcoming ballot. Attorney General Paxton went as far as placing a temporary restraining order on Frisco ISD after multiple violations of the same Texas election code. Frisco ISD schools made three social media post in February that are under fire. The restraining order lists nine board members both directly and indirectly involved with the violations including the superintendent and Government Affairs chairperson.
The Attorney General released a statement encouraging school districts to be aware of their actions and stay within their legal boundaries. “School districts should be aware that illegal electioneering is criminal conduct and violators could be subject to criminal prosecution by local authorities.” These ongoing suits are being actively investigated; updates will be given as details unfold.
