Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced arrests in an investigation into alleged illegal voting by people with felony convictions. One important legal distinction is that a felony conviction alone does not permanently bar someone from voting in Texas. Voting rights are restored after the person completes the full sentence, including parole or probation, or receives a pardon or other release from the voting disability.
According to Paxton’s office, the investigation began on October 27 after a concerned citizen reported that individuals with felony convictions who were incarcerated, on parole or on probation had allegedly voted in Harris County.
The attorney general’s Election Integrity Unit reviewed voter registration records, examined whether the individuals had cast ballots in the 2026 election and referred their identities to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to verify their criminal justice status.
The department subsequently confirmed that multiple individuals were on parole when they allegedly cast their ballots, making them ineligible to vote under Texas law.
Arrest warrants were issued in Montgomery County on October 30, and officers from the Office of the Attorney General subsequently arrested the individuals.
“Today, my office arrested convicted felons for voting illegally in Texas. My Election Integrity Unit is actively investigating additional reports of election crimes,” Paxton said. “We will continue working to protect the lawful votes of Texans.”
The arrests were also reported by Houston-area radio outlet KTRH, which covered the investigation into alleged illegal voting involving individuals with felony convictions.
Under Texas law, individuals with felony convictions generally cannot vote while serving their sentences. However, voting eligibility is restored after they have fully completed their sentences, including incarceration, parole and probation, or have otherwise been released from the resulting voting disability.
Paxton’s office did not publicly identify the individuals arrested or specify the total number of arrests in its announcement. The attorney general said investigators are continuing to examine additional reports of potential election crimes.
The Election Integrity Unit remains involved in the investigation as Paxton’s office pursues further allegations of illegal voting across Texas.
