4A Wednesday, May 20, 2020 LOCAL/NATIONAL Denton Record-Chronicle Judge: All voters can apply to vote by mail during pandemic Speedway graduation By Alexa Ura lify those aspirational ideas to Judge Tim Sulak ruled that The Texas Tribune return to the not so halcyon susceptibility to the coronavirus A federal judge on Tuesday and not so thrilling days of yes- counts as a disability under the festivities underway opened a path for a massive ex- teryear of the Divine Right of state election code. That ruling pansion in absentee voting in Kings, trading our birthright as was put on hold by the Texas Su- By Marshall Reid Texas by ordering that all state a sovereign people for a modern preme Court last week. Staff Writer WHO GRADUATES WHEN? [email protected] voters regardless of age qualify mess of governing pottage in the During a hearing last week in A total of 32 schools will hold graduation ceremonies at Texas for a mail-in ballot during the hands of a few and forfeiting the federal court, Biery scrutinized the Local schools begin send- Motor Speedway. Here’s the schedule for Denton-area schools: coronavirus pandemic. vision of America as a shining state’s argument that it had a sig- ing high school seniors across When Who Days after a two-hour pre- city upon a hill,” he said. nificant interest in enforcing exist- the finish line during -modi liminary injunction hearing in In the federal lawsuit, the Tex- ing absentee voting requirements fied graduation ceremonies Monday, May 18, 5 p.m. San Antonio, U.S. District Judge as Democrats argued that hold- to preserve “the integrity of its elec- this week. Monday, May 18, 8 p.m. Fred Biery agreed with individ- ing traditional elections under the tion” and to prevent voter fraud. Ceremonies will take place Tuesday, May 19, 5 p.m. ual Texas voters and the Texas circumstances brought on by the The AG’s office had submitted at Texas Motor Speedway, un- Democratic Party that voters coronavirus pandemic would im- testimony from the long-winding like in years past. Tuesday, May 19, 8 p.m. would face irreparable harm if pose unconstitutional and illegal litigation over the state’s voter ID The move, announced Wednesday, May 20, 5 p.m. existing age eligibility rules for burdens on voters unless state law law that touched on instances of earlier this month, is meant Wednesday, May 20, 8 p.m. voting by mail remain in place was clarified to expand who can fraud involving the mail ballots of to keep students and fami- for elections held while the qualify to vote by mail. voters who are 65 or older or vot- lies within social distancing Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. coronavirus remains in wide cir- Under existing law, Texas vot- ers in nursing homes. guidelines while maintaining Thursday, May 21, 2 p.m. culation. Under his order, which ers qualify for a ballot they can fill “So what’s the rational basis an in-person ceremony. Thursday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. Ryan High School will surely be appealed, voters out at home and mail only if they between 65 and 1 day and one Parents parked inside the under the age of 65 who would are 65 years or older, have a dis- day less than 65?” Biery asked. NASCAR stadium will be Friday, May 22, 8:30 a.m. Fred Moore High School ordinarily not qualify for a mail- ability or illness, will be out of the In his ruling, Biery said the able to watch live video on the Friday, May 22, 11 a.m. Braswell High School in ballot would now be eligible. county during the election period, state had cited “little or no evi- speedway’s 12-story screen as Biery’s order covers Texas vot- or are confined in jail. dence” of widespread fraud in graduates walk the metaphor- Friday, May 22, 3 p.m. Guyer High School ers “who seek to vote by mail to The Democrats argued that states where voting by mail is ical stage. Friday, May 22, 7 p.m. avoid transmission of the virus.” the age limitation violates the U.S. more widely used. Argyle and Krum high In a lengthy order, opened Constitution because it would im- “The Court finds the Grim schools were set to be first up by quoting the preamble to the pose additional burdens on voters Reaper’s scepter of pandemic dis- Monday evening. Excluding In total, 32 schools will Declaration of Independence, who are younger than 65 during ease and death is far more serious Memorial Day, at least one EDITOR’S NOTE: hold ceremonies at the speed- Biery said he had concerns for the pandemic, and Biery agreed. than an unsupported fear of voter graduating class will occupy This article first appeared way in the coming weeks. the health and safety of vot- Biery also found the plaintiffs fraud in this sui generis experi- the stadium each day for near- in the May 19 e-Edition, on ers and stated the right to vote were likely to succeed in proving ence,” Biery said. “Indeed, if vote ly two weeks. Page 1A. MARSHALL REID can “should not be elusively based the rules violate the 26th Amend- by mail fraud is real, logic dictates For those unable to attend be reached at 940-566-6862 on the whims of nature.” ment’s protections against voting that all voting should be in person.” the ceremonies, livestreams and via Twitter at @Mar- “Two hundred forty-years on, restrictions that discriminate The attorney general’s office are meant to open up 15 min- and start on the Texas Motor shallKReid. Americans now seek Life with- based on age. did not immediately respond to utes before each ceremony Speedway website. out fear of pandemic, Liberty to In ruling against the state, a request for comment. choose their leaders in an envi- Biery cast aside arguments The Texas Tribune is a non- ronment free of disease and the made by Texas Attorney Gen- partisan, nonprofit media orga- pursuit of Happiness without eral Ken Paxton’s office that he nization that informs Texans — To All Interested Persons and Parties: undue restrictions,” Biery wrote. should wait until a case in state and engages with them — about “There are some among us district court is fully adjudicat- public policy, politics, govern- TXI Operations, LP, has applied to the Texas Commission on who would, if they could, nul- ed. In that case, state District ment and statewide issues. Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an Air Quality Standard Permit, Registration No.155999L003, which would authorize BRIEFLY construction of a temporary concrete batch plant located at ACROSS THE NATION the following driving directions: from the intersection of U.S. 114 and Farm-to-Market Road 156, head south on Farm-to- New York nationwide to pay a big share One of the lawyers coordi- Market Road 156 for 2.0 miles and the plant will be on the Scouts pressured to of an eventual settlement in the nating the filing, Mike Pfau, west side of the road, Justin, Denton County, Texas 76247. Scouts’ bankruptcy proceedings. said his Seattle-based firm ex- share sex abuse costs The lawsuits were filed pects to file scores more - law This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as Nine sex abuse lawsuits shortly after an easing of coro- suits in other parts of New allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 TexasAdministrative were filed Tuesday in New York navirus lockdown rules enabled York, as well as in New Jersey Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. Additional information against three Boy Scout local courts in some parts of New and California, after full re- councils, signaling an escalation York to resume the handling of opening of courts there. concerning this application is contained in the public notice of efforts to pressure councils civil cases. — The Associated Press section of this newspaper. DE-27052

A Pediatric Team that listens. Schedule your child’s well visit and immunizations today.

Our staff is committed to providing compassionate service using an approach that provides the highest level of care, while giving our patients the tools they need to take charge of their health

Schedule your telehealth appointment today. 940-381-1501| healthntx.org YES! We Accept Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare DE-26927