Texas investigators arrested convicted felons who allegedly voted in Harris County while still on parole, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced October 31.
Paxton’s office said the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed that multiple individuals were on parole when they cast ballots in the 2026 election, making them ineligible under state law.
“We will continue working to protect the lawful votes of Texans,” Paxton said in the release.
Citizen tip led to arrests
A citizen’s October 27 report prompted the Election Integrity Unit’s investigation. The report alleged that people who were incarcerated, on parole or on probation had voted in Harris County and included publicly available information, according to the release.
Analysts checked identities and voter registration records, reviewed 2026 voting records and sought verification of the individuals’ criminal justice status from TDCJ.
Officers from Paxton’s office made the arrests following October 30 warrants in Montgomery County. The release gave no names, arrest count or specific charges.
Paxton’s office said investigators continue examining additional allegations.
Who can vote under Texas law
Texas allows people with felony convictions to regain voting eligibility after they finish their sentences, including incarceration, parole, supervision and probation, the Texas State Law Library explains. A qualifying pardon or other legal release from the voting restriction can also restore eligibility.
The new arrests involve alleged voting offenses. Those arrested retain the presumption of innocence.
A separate North Texas conviction
In a separate case previously reported by The Dallas Express, a federal jury in Fort Worth convicted Indian national Khalwinder Singh Bhengura on October 27 of voting by an alien and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
He voted in Arlington in the 2024 election, according to the Justice Department. He faces sentencing February 11, 2027.
