Galveston County Cannot Use New Precinct Map in November, Texas Supreme Court Rules
The justices said the county must keep March primary precinct lines for November because changing them mid-election would alter races and voter choices.
- On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court blocked Galveston County from using newly drawn precinct maps for the November general election, ruling the mid-election redistricting violated state requirements for consistency.
- Galveston County Commissioners Court approved the new maps in June, with County Judge Mark Henry stating the changes aimed for the "most efficient and beneficial setup," helping keep the county Republican.
- The court found that primary and general elections "operate together to facilitate one election for each precinct," and decoupling them creates "serious constitutional concerns" regarding voter access and candidate fairness.
- County attorney Paul Ready labeled the challenge a "litigation-driven farce," asserting the ruling will not change election outcomes because all affected races feature unopposed candidates.
- While the county may implement the new maps after November, separate federal lawsuits challenging the 2021 precinct boundaries as discriminatory remain pending; Mark Gaber of the Campaign Legal Center said his team will continue fighting those maps.
12 Articles
12 Articles
“Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primaries” #ELB
Texas Tribune: The Texas Supreme Court on Friday prohibited Galveston County from using new voting boundaries for the November general election, ruling county leaders improperly redrew district lines after the primaries. State law requires “the conduct of elections be uniform … Continue reading “Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primaries” →
Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primaries
By Stephen Simpson, The Texas Tribune September 11, 2026 The Texas Supreme Court on Friday prohibited Galveston County from using new voting boundaries for the November general election, ruling county leaders improperly redrew district lines after the primaries. State law requires “the conduct of elections be uniform and consistent throughout this state,” the court said…
Texas Justices Block County’s Unusual Mid-Election Map Redraw
Texas counties can’t alter precinct maps mid-election cycle, the state supreme court ruled Friday, ordering Galveston County to use the lines it employed in the March primary again for the November general election.
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