Thread by @MarioNicolaiEsq

Yesterday I filed an amicus brief on behalf of @ProjectLincoln in the US District Court of Western Texas.

We argued that @GovAbbott's proclamation limiting counties to one ballot return drop-box both hinders voting and poses a risk to voters.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

2/ The proclamation equated to #VoterSuppression, particularly in counties with huge populations like Harris, Travis, and Fort Bend.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

3/ @ProjectLincoln refused to stand by and watch while @GovAbbott undermined the election in Texas.

We support the Texas League of United Latin American Citizens, @LWVTexas and other plaintiffs' request for relief from his unconstitutional order.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

4/ As the @ProjectLincoln pointed out, the traditional Republican Party always stood for expanding ballot access and voting rights. From passage of the #15thAmendment and #19thAmendment to fighting the Democratic White Primaries in Texas.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

5/ In particular, Abbott's proclamation burdens voters over the age of 65 - the same people at most risk from #COVID19.

Under this order, they must choose between exercising their civic right to vote or risking their lives.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

6/ @ProjectLincoln already has heard reports of large lines forming at the single drop-box locations remaining.

That defeats the purpose of providing a safe voting option during the #COVID19 #Pandemic

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

7/ Because likely Republican voters are typically older and live farther away from the centrally located ballot drop-boxes, it particularly burdens them.

These are the voters the @ProjectLincoln has been working to cast their ballots.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

8/ @ProjectLincoln whiz @LucasHoltz__ provided compelling data showing that 65+ Republicans comprise a far higher percentage of their party's vote than their Democratic counterparts.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

9/ 65+ Likely R's vs 65+ Likely D's as a percent of that party's total votes:

Harris County - 28.6% vs 18.6%

Travis County - 27.8% vs 15.4%

Fort Bend County - 24.3% vs 18.5%

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

10/ @ProjectLincoln believes the District Court must grant the Plaintiffs' request for declaratory and injunctive relief and allow counties to reopen additional ballot drop-boxes.

It will expand access to voting and save lives in the process.

#VoteByMail2020
#BallotDropBox

11/ PS - as always, sorry about any typos.

I'm a terrible editor.

12/ UPDATE:

As I was typing this out, the US District Court just granted the @ProjectLincoln motion to file the brief. It is officially a part of the record for consideration now!

HOLY CRAP! @JoshMalina - the most excellent Will Bailey on the West Wing and host of even more excellent West Wing Weekly podcast - retweeted this.

Totally made my day!

I gotta go brag to my wife. We literally just watched "Inauguration I & II" episodes. :)

Hey @arturodraws and @SheaSerrano ... this is me shooting my shot on behalf of y'all in Texas.

Hope you like the thread ... :)