Harris County is facing an emergency lawsuit after closing all early voting locations for two days amid severe winter weather, disrupting voting in the runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in state court, argues that the closures violated Texas election law by effectively shortening the early voting period for the special runoff election. The suit was brought by voting rights groups Houston Justice and Pure Justice and is being represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project.
County election officials shut down early voting locations Sunday and Monday as icy conditions and freezing temperatures made travel hazardous across the Houston area. Officials said the decision was made to protect the safety of voters and poll workers during the winter storm.
Plaintiffs argue the closures eliminated two of the final days of early voting, which state law requires to be consecutive and include extended hours in special elections. They are asking a judge to issue an emergency order restoring the lost voting time by extending early voting later in the week.
The runoff election will determine who fills the long-vacant seat in Congressional District 18, which covers much of Houston. The race is between Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. Both candidates have publicly supported efforts to extend early voting following the weather disruptions.
Advocates say failing to restore the lost voting days could disenfranchise voters, particularly those with limited transportation or inflexible work schedules who rely on early voting.
Election Day for the runoff is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st.
Harris County has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit, and a court hearing on the emergency request is expected soon.