Frio County, Texas — A grand jury has indicted nine individuals — including prominent local Democrats and former candidates — in connection with an alleged vote harvesting scheme, intensifying a sweeping investigation spearheaded by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Among those indicted are Manuel Medina, former chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party, and Cecilia Castellano, a recent candidate for the Texas House of Representatives.
The two join a growing list of Latino political figures caught up in a probe that critics claim is politically motivated and targeting communities of color.
Castellano, who turned herself in on Wednesday, faces two charges of vote harvesting, a third-degree felony under Texas’ controversial 2021 election law. Her attorney, Don Flanary, insisted she is innocent and called the charges “chilling” for voter outreach advocates.
“Cecilia is innocent. She didn’t do anything illegal,” Flanary said. “It’s highly inappropriate to be filing these charges now when the 5th Circuit is still reviewing whether this activity is even a crime.”
A Divisive Legal Battle
The charges stem from a 2021 law that criminalizes offering vote collection services for compensation — a common practice in some outreach efforts — unless the individual is a caregiver assisting someone eligible to vote by mail. Penalties can include up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
While vote harvesting is legal under federal law, several states — including Texas — have moved to restrict it, citing concerns about election integrity. Critics argue these laws are often vague, unconstitutional, and used to suppress Latino and elderly voters.
Backlash from Civil Rights Advocates
Latino leaders and civil rights groups such as LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) have condemned the investigation. Last year, LULAC raised alarm when armed raids targeted the homes of elderly volunteers in pre-dawn searches, sparking outrage statewide.
“They’re literally in tears,” said Gabriel Rosales, LULAC Texas director. “It’s very disappointing that they would want to continue this witchhunt.”
The new indictments follow six previous ones unveiled by Paxton in May. Authorities allege a network of illegal ballot collection in Frio County, Pearsall, and Dilley, though specific evidence has not yet been made public. Court documents remain sealed.
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Political Fallout and Constitutional Questions
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is still reviewing the constitutionality of Texas’ vote harvesting statute. A federal judge previously ruled parts of the law were unconstitutionally vague and infringed on free speech rights, but that ruling was temporarily overturned on appeal.
Despite the ongoing legal uncertainty, Paxton defended the move:
“The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system,” he said. “No one is above the law.”
What Do You Think?
Do you believe this investigation is about election security — or is it political targeting of Latino Democrats? Have you or someone you know participated in voter outreach efforts? Let us know in the comments.
For ongoing coverage of Texas elections, voting rights, and local politics, follow ridgecrestpact.org.
