Texas Reinstates Election Fraud as a Felony Crime with a Maximum 20-Year Prison Sentence

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a significant bill on Tuesday that intensifies the state’s stance against election fraud.

The new law, known as House Bill 1243, has reinstated election fraud as a serious criminal offense – a felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Governor Abbott has been clear about his support for the new law. He even took to Twitter to share the news, writing, “I signed a law that makes election fraud a felony in Texas. Voting illegally can lead to a 20-year sentence. Don’t mess with Texas elections.”

According to the Dallas News, election fraud’s classification in Texas has been a roller coaster ride in recent years. Only a few years ago, a Republican-led initiative in the Texas House opted to reduce the penalty for election fraud from a felony to a misdemeanor. This was done in response to rising concerns over the possibility of accidental illegal voting.

 

I signed a law that makes election fraud a felony in Texas.

Voting illegally can lead to a 20-year sentence.

Don't mess with Texas elections.https://t.co/C0cDyE3Dnq

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 15, 2023