Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis warns residents to be aware of a potential voter suppression group that had canvassers knocking on doors attempting to coerce voters into sharing personal information and signing legal affidavits.

“Voters in Sunnyside, and throughout the region, have rights and they don’t have to tolerate lies and subversion at their doorsteps,” Commissioner Ellis said. “No voter has any obligation to engage with representatives of this group, give them any information or sign any document.”

On June 29, Commissioner Ellis’ office was alerted by a Sunnyside constituent that door-to-door canvassers were engaging in what appeared to be voter suppression efforts. They presented an affidavit requesting information about individuals registered to vote at the address that required sworn signatures under penalty of perjury.

According to a Houston Chronicle story, the canvassers wore badges identifying themselves with a group called “Texas Election Network” and have partisan ties.

“Given the attacks on our democracy we’re witnessing across the country and in Texas, we urge voters to be vigilant,” Commissioner Ellis said.

Last year, the Texas Legislature overtly targeted Harris County when it passed Jim Crow-style voting laws designed to intimidate voters and undermine fair elections, Ellis said. Legislators justified their voter suppression by repeating the Big Lie, claiming but never demonstrating widespread voter fraud.

If voters have questions or need information they can trust, they should contact the Harris County Elections Department at 713-755-6965.

“Our country is at a critical juncture where our democracy and fundamental rights are under attack like never before,” Commissioner Ellis said. “The testimony coming out of the January 6 Select House Committee makes that clear. Big Lie specialists and subversive groups on the ground are picking up where the insurrectionists left off—undermining faith in our democracy and pitting one American against another.”

The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis has put together a fact sheet for voters on this issue, which is attached.