Upholding Voter Rights: Addressing Election Code Violations in Southwest ISD

https://www.tpr.org/education/2023-04-25/unusual-southwest-isd-election-forces-some-san-antonio-residents-to-vote-twice

In recent years, voter suppression and dilution of the vote have come to the forefront of discussions surrounding electoral integrity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the practices of the Southwest Independent School District (SWISD), where the current method of conducting elections appears to be in violation of the Elections Joint Election Code 271.003, specifically regarding the location of common polling places.

According to the code, common polling places should be conveniently located to serve affected voters and facilitate the orderly conduct of the election. However, SWISD's decision to hold joint elections with the City of Lytle rather than with the City of San Antonio, where the majority of its voters reside, raises concerns about accessibility and voter suppression.

The Elections Joint Election Code 271.007 further stipulates that a single ballot containing all offices or propositions to be voted on at a particular polling place may be used in a joint election. Yet, SWISD's current practices restrict voters' ability to cast their ballots conveniently and efficiently by having SWISD elections on a separate ballot, disenfranchising most of the very same registered voters. 

Moreover, SWISD's refusal to explore alternatives, such as holding joint elections in multiple municipalities simultaneously or establishing polling sites outside their boundaries, further exacerbates the situation. By limiting voter access and failing to comply with election codes, SWISD not only undermines the democratic process but also violates the fundamental principles of fairness and equality guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

It is imperative that SWISD takes immediate action to rectify these violations and ensure that all eligible voters have equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. This entails revisiting their election procedures, collaborating with relevant authorities to establish common polling places that serve the entire community, and implementing measures to enhance voter education and engagement.