TPPF Launches New Election Integrity Initiative

AUSTIN — Yesterday, the Texas Public Policy Foundation launched its Election Integrity Project, which seeks to ensure that each and every citizen is afforded their right to vote and that public policy secures the reliability of our election system.

“The most fundamental feature of a representative democracy is the citizen’s right to vote,” says Texas Public Policy Foundation Executive Director Kevin Roberts. “It is key to the basic structure of our government that guarantees the rule of law, the sovereignty of the people, and individual freedom. TPPF will be vigilant in defending that right.”

The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Election Integrity Project will provide resources and materials across the state to educate voters about election laws and how they can identify when, where, and how their ballot may be compromised.

TPPF can also provide information about preparing or filing complaints with the Secretary of State’s office to determine if fraudulent activity may be occurring.

Already, TPPF has produced a short video highlighting the problem of vote harvesting that could result in election tampering.

“Election integrity is a vital matter for all Texans,” says TPPF’s Vice President of National Initiatives Chuck DeVore. “Our analysis of the 2018 General Election indicates a high likelihood of mail-in ballot fraud in counties with highly competitive elections. Election fraud must be curtailed and Texans’ right to vote without interference or intimidation must be secured.”

Just last summer, a school board election in South Texas was voided after allegations of mail-in ballot fraud; another investigation has been announced in nearby Starr County.

And “ballot harvesting” isn’t unique to Texas; in North Carolina, a Republican candidate’s apparent primary win was thrown out by the state’s board of elections in 2018.

The project will reflect three basic principles to ensure election integrity:

• Voters should understand their rights and the rules of voting.
• Voters should be free to choose.
• The voting system should preserve the integrity of each ballot.

“The dignity and integrity of one’s vote is the hallmark of our electoral process,” said Rafa Bejar, director of outreach at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Votes should never be bought, sold or stolen as the corruption of elections leads to government corruption. With the launch of the Election Integrity Project, TPPF seeks to protect the sanctity of the vote and the fairness of the election process.”

Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit free-market research institute based in Austin that aims to foster human flourishing by protecting and promoting liberty, opportunity, and personal responsibility.