Six Texas officials face felony charges in an alleged vote harvesting scheme that used cash payments to illegally gather and submit absentee ballots in Frio County.
At a Glance
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced indictments for six officials, including a county judge and elections administrator, on vote harvesting charges.
- Suspects allegedly used Cash App to pay for harvested votes, highlighting technological vulnerabilities in election security.
- The investigation began in August 2024 with search warrants executed across multiple counties.
- Charges were brought under Texas Senate Bill 1, which criminalizes compensated vote harvesting.
- These indictments are part of Paxton’s broader effort to address voter fraud concerns following the 2020 election.
Officials Charged in Elaborate Vote Harvesting Operation
Following a months-long investigation into alleged election crimes, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced indictments against six Frio County officials on multiple charges related to vote harvesting. The arrests, made on May 2, came after search warrants were executed across Frio, Atascosa, and Bexar Counties beginning in August 2024. The charges primarily involve the illegal collection and submission of absentee ballots in exchange for monetary compensation, a third-degree felony under Texas law.
Among those indicted is Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, who faces three counts of vote harvesting. Former Frio County Elections Administrator Carlos Segura was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza each face one count of vote harvesting, while Pearsall ISD Trustee Adriann Ramirez was indicted on three counts. Rosa Rodriguez, described as an alleged vote harvester, rounds out the group with two counts of vote harvesting.
Modern Technology Used in Alleged Election Scheme
Investigators discovered that some officials allegedly used Cash App to facilitate payments for harvested votes, adding a modern technological dimension to election fraud concerns. This digital payment trail provided evidence for prosecutors while highlighting new vulnerabilities in election security. The scheme allegedly targeted vulnerable populations, including elderly and disabled voters, whose ballots were collected and submitted illegally in exchange for compensation.
“The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system. Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable. No one is above the law.” Paxton said.
Frio County, with approximately 18,000 residents southwest of San Antonio, has recently favored Republican candidates in elections. The City of Pearsall acknowledged the indictments but refrained from commenting due to the ongoing investigations. District Attorney Audrey Gossett Louis emphasized that violations of voting rights, particularly those targeting elderly or disabled community members, would be met with “zero tolerance.”
Legal Framework and Broader Implications
The charges were brought under Texas Senate Bill 1, which specifically criminalizes compensated vote harvesting services unless performed by a caregiver for eligible voters. While ballot harvesting—the collection of ballots by a designated person—is legal under federal law, Texas has implemented restrictions through this legislation. The law faced legal challenges when a federal court ruling questioned its constitutionality, but Paxton’s appeal has allowed the state to continue investigations and enforcement.
“Secure elections are the cornerstone of our republic. We are completely committed to protecting the security of the ballot box and the integrity of every legal vote. This means ensuring accountability for anyone committing election crimes.” Paxton said.
These arrests are part of Paxton’s broader effort to address voter fraud concerns following the 2020 election. Previous related actions include the arrest of Raquel Rodriguez in January 2021 and four individuals in February 2021 for voter fraud. In June 2022, a Port Lavaca woman pleaded guilty to 26 felony counts of voter fraud following indictments from Paxton’s office. Critics, including former Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, have argued these investigations are politically motivated and disproportionately target Latino and Democratic regions.
Ongoing Concerns About Election Integrity
The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding election integrity and the balance between access to voting and security measures. Texas Senate Bill 1, part of which forms the legal basis for these charges, includes provisions that restrict certain voting methods, particularly targeting initiatives used in diverse, Democratic areas like Harris County. Supporters view these measures as essential safeguards against fraud, while critics see them as potential barriers to legitimate voter participation.
As the legal proceedings continue, both state officials and voting rights advocates are watching closely. The case represents a significant test of Texas’ election laws and enforcement mechanisms. For Paxton and his supporters, these indictments demonstrate a commitment to election security. For others, questions remain about the selective enforcement of these laws and their impact on voter access, particularly in traditionally underrepresented communities.
