Texas Officials Indicted in Alleged Vote Harvesting Scheme

Six individuals, including several current and former public officials in Frio County, Texas, have been indicted in connection with an alleged vote harvesting scheme, according to an announcement by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Among those charged are Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, former elections administrator Carlos Segura, two Pearsall city council members, a school board member, and a campaign worker. The charges include multiple counts of vote harvesting and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Paxton, who has faced criticism for targeting minority and Democratic voters, stated that the indictments aim to ensure fair elections and hold officials accountable. The 2021 Texas law banning compensated ballot collection remains contentious, with ongoing legal challenges and concerns from civil rights groups about its impact on voter participation. Critics argue that such prosecutions may have a chilling effect on volunteer-driven voter turnout efforts, particularly in communities of color.