Read on Twitter
I have been allowed inside. Other reporters have not. Fix this ASAP, Southern District of Texas!! https://twitter.com/zachdespart/status/1323307786617368578
Harris County is presenting its case: That drive thru voting is legal, was approved by SoS and plan has been public knowledge for months.
Bush v Gore expert speaking now. Judge Hanen quips “hope she didn’t bring (Florida’s) election problems with her.” Nervous laughter ensues.
Houston atty Larry Veselka, an intervenor, argued Republicans waited to sue until after they saw how popular drive thru voting was. 127k ballots are about 9% of total so far.
Crucial context: https://twitter.com/zachdespart/status/1323291894135271424
Another atty whose name I missed said drive thru voting was perfect option for wife, who was 35 weeks pregnant. Accuses Republicans of attempting to throw out legitimate votes.
Jared Woodfill, for plaintiffs, argues Texas Election Code does not allow DT option. Said Legislature installed “prophylactic measures” to protect ballot security that do not include drive thru voting. Says it only allows curbside voting for disabled, elderly, etc.
Woodfill accuses Harris Co Clerk @CGHollins of using pandemic as excuse to invent new, illegal form of voting.
Richard Mithoff, for Harris County, says Purcell Supreme Court precedent should guide here: federal courts should not intervene in election case when the election is already underway.
Judge Hanen pushing back against Purcell, asking “if you know they are voting illegally, shouldn’t the court do something?” Court could allow votes so far to stand but shut down drive thru voting on Election Day.
(Other reporters have been allowed in. Shouldn’t have taken us getting our lawyers involved, but thanks to court for relenting)
Brief recess. @sam_kett and I charging our phones. Back soon.
