Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey issued the following statement on passage of legislation relating to preventing mail-in ballot fraud.

“Election integrity is absolutely fundamental to our republic. That is why we are strong advocates for increased scrutiny and security in balloting by mail as specified in the Republican Party of Texas platform plank #59.

“Senate Bill 5, which was signed by Governor Abbott on Friday afternoon, increases penalties for fraudulent mail-in ballots. Thanks to Senator Kelly Hancock and Representatives Jodie Laubenberg and Craig Goldman for advocacy on this important issue, as well as to Governor Abbott for including this on the call for the special session.

“Mail-in ballot fraud represents the first Republican platform item from the special session to become law. We look forward to growing that list of legislative achievements that align with our Party platform over the next few days as the special session comes to a close.”