BEXAR COUNTY, TX – Dr. Candice Matthews traveled from Harris County to Bexar County and appeared at the Bexar County Democratic Party office regarding concerns about several alleged election code violations connected to the Texas House District 125 race.
Dr. Matthews, a civil rights activist and former state chair of the Texas Democratic Black Caucus, said community members contacted her about several alleged election code violations, including alleged illegal voter influence, involving the distribution of political materials to voters.
Dr. Matthews said sample ballots were placed on constituents’ doors. According to her statement, one version of the ballot included the name and phone number of election judge and precinct chair Linda Alaniz, while a separate version included the name and phone number of Jesse Garcia. Dr. Matthews questioned why voters were directed to call those individuals and stated the ballots did not contain a political advertising disclaimer.
According to the Texas Election Code, political advertising is required to include a disclaimer identifying the source of the communication.
During the exchange at the office, Alaniz stated she did not need a disclaimer and said precinct chairs are allowed to make recommendations to voters.
Dr. Matthews said she later followed the situation and alleged that Jesse Garcia was providing misinformation to voters, which she said could constitute alleged illegal voter influence under the Texas Election Code.
Dr. Matthews also confronted Alaniz about what she described as alleged slander by Jesse Garcia against Michelle Barrientes Vela, who is running for Texas House District 125. During the interaction, Dr. Matthews played a portion of an audio recording that she said involved Garcia allegedly making statements about Barrientes Vela.
The full phone call can be heard below:
Dr. Matthews also said her team reviewed video and photographs that she claims show voters allegedly being illegally influenced. She said the videos show individuals allegedly filling out sample ballots and voters allegedly being illegally influenced inside the 100-foot boundary of a polling location.
According to Barrientes Vela, a complaint regarding the alleged activity was submitted to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, which can forward election-related complaints to the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit. She also said an ethics complaint was filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.
Barrientes Vela said she informed the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office about the alleged violations and referenced Texas Election Code Section 232, which addresses investigation of election law violations. According to Barrientes Vela, the office told her such cases are typically handled at the state level and that officials would monitor the situation and determine whether the county would participate if the state initiates an investigation.
During her remarks, Dr. Matthews also addressed Michelle Solis, who serves as chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party, stating, “You are the chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party. This should not be happening under your watch.”
Dr. Matthews said Democrats must ensure voters are protected and elections remain fair. “We as Democrats have enough issues with people trying to vote, so we have to protect our voters and have fair elections across the board,” Dr. Matthews said. “Otherwise we can’t turn Texas blue with this type of behavior. You don’t have to like a candidate, but don’t lie on them.”
Dr. Matthews also said voters should be given the opportunity to employ which candidate they want.
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