Governor Abbott Issues Special Election Proclamation For Texas House District 10
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, the Honorable Jake Ellzey, in taking the Oath of Office as U.S. Representative for Congressional District 6, has caused a vacancy to exist in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 10, which consists of Ellis County and part of Henderson County; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution and Section 203.002 of the Texas Election Code require that a special election be ordered upon such a vacancy, and Section 3.003 of the Texas Election Code requires the special election to be ordered by proclamation of the Governor; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Sections 5 and 40, and Article IV, Section 8 of the Texas Constitution authorize the Governor to call an extraordinary session of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, I have called a second extraordinary session of the 87th Legislature to convene on Saturday, August 7, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the vacancy in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 10 occurred on July 30, 2021, which, under Section 203.013(a)(2) of the Texas Election Code, is within the 60 days immediately prior to the date of convening any session of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, Section 203.013(c) of the Texas Election Code provides that an expedited special election must be held on a Tuesday or Saturday occurring not earlier than the 21st day or later than the 45th day after the date the election is ordered;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby order a special election to be held in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 10 on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, for the purpose of electing a state representative to serve out the unexpired term of the Honorable Jake Ellzey.
Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021.
Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Monday, August 23, 2021, in accordance with Sections 85.001(a) and (d) of the Texas Election Code.
A copy of this order shall be mailed immediately to the County Judges of all counties contained within Texas State House of Representatives District No. 10, and all appropriate writs shall be issued and all proper proceedings shall be followed to the end that said election may be held to fill the vacancy in Texas State House of Representatives District No. 10 and its result proclaimed in accordance with law.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office
in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 6th day of August, 2021.
Governor Greg Abbott