Ken Paxton

AG: Armed Election Judges OK at Polls in Government Venues

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says presiding election judges licensed to carry handguns may do so while working at polls in government buildings.

However, in a formal opinion issued Tuesday, Paxton also said a presiding election judge may not openly carry a handgun at polls set up on any college or university campus, nor may they carry a concealed handgun on any campus where the institution prohibits them by rule.

Presiding election judges also may not carry a handgun to a polling venue on private property if proper notice was given of a ban.

Republican state Rep. James White of Woodville had asked for the opinion. In his request, he noted that "due to the latest events, the public has a heightened awareness of the security posture in public places."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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