Harris County Probe Clears Election Intent, Employee Faces Charges

An investigation by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg found no evidence of intent to influence the 2022 election results in Texas' largest county. However, charges were filed against county employee Darryl Blackburn for working a second job during polls. The case underscores ongoing scrutiny and political battles over voting in Houston.

An investigation by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has concluded that there was no intentional effort to sway the 2022 election outcomes in Texas' largest county. Prosecutors, however, will pursue criminal charges against a county employee accused of working a second job while polling stations ran out of paper ballots.

The employee, Darryl Blackburn, faces charges of theft by public servant and other related crimes, though none are election-related. His attorney, Charles Flood, criticized the charges as politically motivated, emphasizing that no evidence suggests an intent to influence the election.

State audits found no impact on election outcomes but highlighted administrative failures, prompting Republican lawmakers to restructure the county's elections office. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over voting processes and political disagreements in Houston.

(With inputs from agencies.)