The attorney general said that there would be repercussions for Morgan and the council if they fail to comply, including possible removal from office.
“Because the City lacks authority to postpone its election under these circumstances, as outlined below, the City should begin preparing to hold its election on November 3, 2020. Should the City fail to do so, the Office of Attorney General will take appropriate action within its authority to ensure the City complies with State law,” Paxton explained.
In a five-page letter on Thursday to Morgan and the city council, Paxton rebutted Round Rock City Attorney Steve Sheets’ legal rationale for changing the election date to May 2021.
Morgan has said that Round Rock had to cancel its May elections because officials in Williamson and Travis counties would not provide election assistance. He contended that the city’s postponement to May 2021 is consistent with the city’s charter.
“Due to circumstances related to COVID-19, the City was forced to consider several options for holding our elections,” Morgan said when the city announced the postponement.
“The motion presented and voted upon at last night’s Council meeting moved the election to the uniform date that occurs in May by City Charter and ordinance.”
Sheets made legal arguments in his own letter on July 21 outlining the city’s basis for postponing the election until next year.
Paxton described the possible outcomes for Morgan and the city council if they flout the attorney general’s directions.
“Finally, we note that holding an improper election can produce severe consequences. If an election is held on the wrong date, the election is void. If the City decides not to hold its election in November, the City may be subject to civil litigation,” Paxton warned.
“In addition, violating the City’s charter, such as by not calling an election in accordance with the law, may be grounds for a forfeiture of office. Finally, an unlawful officeholder may be removed from office through a quo warranto action.”
The mayor did not immediately return a request for comment.
###
Disclosure: Unlike almost every other media outlet, The Texan is not beholden to any special interests, does not apply for any type of state or federal funding, and relies exclusively on its readers for financial support. If you’d like to become one of the people we’re financially accountable to, click here to subscribe.
Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
