The push for the reinstitution of absentee voting for all Texas voters has come to a halt as the U.S. Supreme Court junked the request in the midst of coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report from The Texas Tribune, the Democratic Party's request was rejected on Friday by Justice Samuel Alito in granting a federal district judge's order to expand mail-in voting take effect, while the case is on appeal.

What Are the Qualifying Reasons That a Voter Can Mail a Ballot

The article mentioned that last May, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery allowed Texas voters, who are fearful of becoming infected at polling places, to apply for voting by mail. Texas will only allow voters to qualify for mail-in ballots if they fall under these qualifications:

  • People who are over 65 years of age

  • People who have a disability or illness

  • People who will be travelling out of the country on the day of the election

  • People who are in jail

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, although agreeing with the ruling, made a statement that the Democrats' request "raises weighty issues on the Twenty-Sixth Amendment" in the time of an emergency situation.

She added that she hoped "that the Court of Appeals will consider the merits of the legal issues in this case well in advance of the November election."

Texas Democrats Ask For Expanded Voting

The Texas Democratic Party wanted the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the possibility of absentee voting last June 16. According to The Hill, the party wanted to expand those who can qualify for mail voting in the hope that there will be no health risks in July's primary runoff and November's elections.

For the petitioners, it's now or never for the Supreme Court to act if they want Texas voters to risk their health and the health of others during these two critical elections.

The Republicans and The Integrity of the Electoral Process

According to Courthouse News, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton approved of the Supreme Court decision. He noted that the voting through mail is a springboard to widespread fraud.

"My office will continue to fight for safe, free and fair elections," he added.

This coming July 14, the state of Texas will have its 2020 runoff elections. Early voting in Texas begins next month for the primary runoff elections.

The primaries were supposed to be held in May but has been postponed to July over coronavirus fears. Consequently, Texas is one of the country's hotbeds for coronavirus infections with records skyrocketing to new levels.

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