In an emotional reflection on her late husband Billy Leo, Filomena Leo shares how he passionately encouraged their neighbors to vote during his time as mayor of La Joya and Hidalgo County clerk in South Texas. Billy Leo innovated by hiring campaign workers to assist elderly residents in voting by mail, a practice that became known as “politiqueras.”
However, this practice has faced scrutiny in recent years, especially following restrictions on voting by mail enacted by the Texas legislature in response to claims of voter fraud after the 2020 election. Allegations of vote harvesting have led to investigations, including raids on the homes of political figures in the Rio Grande Valley.
This crackdown has sparked controversy, with accusations of intimidating Democratic voters and chilling voter engagement efforts in Latino communities. The line between legal assistance and lawbreaking when helping voters is becoming increasingly blurred, leaving election observers concerned about the impact on civic engagement.
As the larger debate around access to the ballot continues, the legacy of figures like Billy Leo illuminates the complex relationship between political mobilization and the law, showcasing the intricate dynamics of democracy in action.
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