(PatriotNews.net) – Texas legislators push back against the lawlessness of the Biden era by arming poll workers after threats and assaults during the 2024 election caused many to quit.
At a Glance
- Texas House passes bill allowing election judges to carry firearms at polling stations
- Introduced after poll workers faced threats and assaults during 2024 election
- Bill addresses difficulty in hiring and retaining election workers due to safety concerns
- Democrats oppose measure, claiming guns could escalate tensions and intimidate voters
- Legislation now moves to Senate for consideration before potential September implementation
Common Sense Security Measure or Voter Intimidation?
While the left continues its endless crusade against the Second Amendment, Texas Republicans are taking practical steps to ensure election security. House Bill 1128, which passed the Texas House with a vote of 85-57, would allow election judges to carry firearms at polling locations – a sensible response to the increasing threats these workers face. Currently, Texas law prohibits firearms at polling stations during elections, leaving these crucial officials defenseless while trying to maintain order. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it’s likely to find support in a state that still values constitutional rights and personal protection.
Republican state Representative Carrie Isaac, who introduced the legislation, highlighted the very real dangers poll workers face. “Some workers even quit mid-election out of fear for their safety. These workers are mostly volunteers giving their time to serve their communities. If we expect them to uphold the integrity of our elections, we must do our part to ensure polling places are safe and secure for everyone involved.”
The bill aligns with a 2018 opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton suggesting election judges should have the same right to carry firearms as district judges. It’s worth noting that the legislation specifically limits this right to election judges only – not other workers or the general public. These judges are responsible for maintaining order and resolving disputes at polling locations, making them the natural choice for this responsibility.
Democrats Predictably Oppose Self-Defense Rights
In typical fashion, Democrats are hysterically opposing this common-sense security measure. Democratic Representative Maria Luisa “Lulu” Flores presented the absurd argument: “Do you really think arming someone with a firearm to combat someone with a water bottle is not escalating the situation?”.
This disingenuous framing completely misses the point. Election workers aren’t quitting because someone threw a water bottle – they’re facing legitimate threats and assaults. Democrats suggested having law enforcement present instead, but Isaac quickly pointed out there simply aren’t enough officers available to cover all polling locations. Once again, Democrats offer unrealistic solutions while opposing practical ones that empower individuals to protect themselves.
Deterring Threats and Protecting Democracy
The left’s opposition to armed election judges reveals their fundamental misunderstanding of both guns and human nature. As any gun owner knows, the mere presence of a firearm often deters threats – something Isaac emphasized when defending the bill. With election integrity under constant scrutiny, ensuring poll workers feel safe enough to do their jobs is vital to maintaining our democratic process. If safety concerns are preventing people from serving, our elections suffer.
“Unfortunately, it takes time for law enforcement to arrive, and that is why we need someone there at all times for protection…Your concern is about the election. My concern is about an innocent person getting hurt.”.
If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Greg Abbott, the law would take effect September 1st. After seeing the chaos of the 2024 election, Texans understand that preserving election integrity requires election officials who feel secure enough to enforce the rules. While Democrats continue their endless hand-wringing about voter intimidation, Republicans are focused on the real issue – making sure we have enough qualified poll workers willing to serve in the first place.
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