Judge Hidalgo Praised for Courageous Opposition to Attacks on Voting Freedoms, Innovative Election Reforms
HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS–(October 10, 2022)– Today, local and national voting rights leaders announced their support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for re-election, praising her steadfast support for upholding our democracy. The announcement comes a day before the Texas Voter Registration deadline and marks a critical divide between her and Far-Right opponent Alexandra Mealer, who has refused to acknowledge that President Joe Biden won in 2020 in a fair and open election.
Announcing their support for Hidalgo are former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Luci Baines Johnson, tireless campaigner for voting rights and daughter of President Lyndon Johnson who shepherded passage of the Historic 1965 Votings Rights Act, Bishop James Dixon, minister and Harris County community leader, Chris Hollins, former Harris County Clerk, Sergio Lira, community leader and 2021 recipient of the Houston Hispanic Heritage Lifetime Achievement award, and Mimi Marziani, civil rights law and professor of Election Law at the University of Texas School of Law.
“It’s harder to vote in Texas than in any other state in the nation,” said Holder. “That’s why as Attorney General, I sued Texas repeatedly to fight their unconstitutional voter suppression. Harris County is lucky to have a leader like Lina Hidalgo, who has been relentless and effective in fighting for the right to vote.”
“The Voting Rights Act is under attack, leaving our democracy in peril. Just this week, the conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an Alabama case and seemed poised to strip what remains of the historic Voting Rights Act,” said Johnson. “We absolutely must elect more people to office who, like my father, believe in and will fight for an inclusive democracy that provides full access to the ballot for all Americans. Lina Hidalgo understands that the foundation of our country depends on the fundamental right to participate in a democracy. I am proud to support her.”
“In 2020, Lina Hidalgo’s efforts to expand access to the ballot box led to the highest turnout in a generation – particularly in minority communities. Lawmakers in Austin responded by passing their voter suppression bill, SB 1, because they saw what could happen when everyone votes in Harris County,” said Dixon. “I’m using my voice to help re-elect Lina Hidalgo for Harris County Judge. I know she fights for all of Harris County. So, we should all vote for Lina!”
“Under Lina Hidalgo, Harris County has tripled its early voting locations and made it easier for everyone to vote. We’ve never had a County Judge as devoted as Lina to ensuring our access to the ballot box. She’s earned a second term,” said Lira.
“I worked with Lina to make 2020 the safest, most secure, and most accessible election in Harris County history. She was bold enough to support innovations like drive-thru voting and 24-hour voting — despite partisan opposition — because they gave a voice to Harris County residents. Lina is a true champion for voting rights, and that’s why she has my support,” said Hollins.
“Our democracy is at a perilous place, as the events of January 6, 2021 so vividly showed. This year, we must support leaders like Judge Lina Hidalgo who believe in free and fair elections, equal access to voting and a democracy that reflects all Texans, not just the chosen few,” said Marziani.
The support of these voting rights champions is most notable since the Office of County Judge has significant influence over election processes and voting rights. Putting Mealer, a “Big Lie” election denier who has pledged to purge local voting roles in such a powerful position puts voting rights at further risk.
Visit linahidalgo.com to learn more about campaign priorities and Lina’s track-record. Stay up-to-date with the Hidalgo campaign by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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