Jury Delivers Blow in Ballot Harvesting Case

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaking at The Conservative Political Action Conference

Texas law prohibits ballot harvesting, particularly when it involves compensating third parties to collect absentee ballots. Last week, a Texas grand jury indicted multiple individuals, including Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, on charges related to ballot harvesting. The investigation began after Audrey Gossett Louis requested inquiries into the matter.

We review the case in this photo gallery.

Ken Paxton at New York State Supreme Court

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said, “The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system. Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

The indicted individuals include Judge Rochelle Camacho, who faces three counts of vote harvesting; elections administrator Carlos Segura, charged with one count of tampering with evidence; and Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza, each facing one count of vote harvesting.

Attorney General Ken Paxton delivering remarks

Pearsall Independent School District Trustee Adriann Ramirez also faces three counts, while campaign worker Rosa Rodriguez faces two counts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, greets President Donald Trump

Allegations claim that Camacho and Ramirez targeted elderly voters. Mary Moore, who lost to Camacho in a recent Democratic primary, stated that Camacho used ballot harvesting services for nearly 30 years.

Ken Paxton speaks against Republicans supporting Rep. Dustin Burrows

Accusations also state that Trevino received compensation for assisting Camacho and that Garza used an app for vote harvesting payments. Segura is accused of concealing ballot applications to obstruct evidence in the investigation.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Empower Texans CEO Michael Quinn Sullivan

Paxton stated, “My office will continue to work with Frio County District Attorney Audrey Louis to protect the integrity of our elections.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton waits to speak

The case follows a legislative overhaul in Texas that tightened election laws and banned paid ballot harvesting. The law is currently being challenged in court, while Paxton continues to pursue charges.

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.