AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw is being called a “hypocrite” after sending campaign mailers containing mail-in ballot applications. 

What You Need To Know

  • The new election law bans local officials from sending unsolicited mail-in ballot applications, but the law makes exceptions for candidates and political parties

  • Texas Republicans said the ban was necessary for election security

  • While Crenshaw did not break any laws with the mailer, many voting rights advocates are saying it’s an unfair double standard

  • Sending out mail-in voting applications to voters 65 or older is a common campaign practice for both parties

The applications came filled out and with instructions to just “simply sign, stamp and mail.” They also said to “be sure to vote for Dan Crenshaw” when the ballot arrives.

The new election law passed by the state Legislature bans local officials from sending unsolicited mail-in ballot applications. Texas Republicans said the ban was necessary for election security, but the law makes exceptions for candidates and political parties.

So, while Crenshaw did not break any laws with the mailer, many voting rights advocates are saying it’s an unfair double standard.

“It’s laughable,” said Mimi Marziani, president of the Texas Civil Rights Project. “Congressman Crenshaw was in favor of what ultimately passed in Texas. So the new law ties [election officials’] hands, but he’s out here doing it as part of his political campaign. The hypocrisy is a bit jaw dropping.”

Sending out mail-in voting applications to voters 65 or older is a common campaign practice for both parties.

“There’s nothing wrong with that practice,” said Marziani. “In fact, I think it’s great for campaigns and groups to be doing this to encourage voting.”

This also comes just a few weeks after local election officials reported a high rejection rate for vote by mail applications, blaming the ID requirements under the new law.

“One change this year, when you apply to vote by mail, it’s really important that you include both your driver license and social security number,” said Marziani. “To ensure there’s not a mismatch in your voter file, you should include both.”

Marziani also added that if there is an issue with your application, an election worker from your county should call you to fix it. TCRP has a hotline for voters to call if they run into issues, 866-OUR-VOTE.

Marziani says both the Crenshaw controversy and the mail-in voting confusion highlights the fundamental issue with the Texas election law.

“The law was not necessary. It makes voting more difficult for all Texans,” she said.

Early voting in the primary starts Feb. 14, and election day is Mar. 1.