Over the last few days we have received reports of voter intimidation and harassment in Mineral Wells during the primary election on March 5, 2024. Reports primarily center around Mike Olcott or other radical right wing supporters confronting and harassing people at the County Annex building as they arrived to vote. This reportedly resulted in three incidents in which the police were called to restore order or break up fights. It is also possible that unlawful electioneering took place in the polling place, but this has not been confirmed. It unknown if any criminal or civil charges against any of those involved are being pursued by local authorities because of these events. We have received unconfirmed reports that the County Commissioners Court is looking into what happened and may take some action. What that is has not been publicly discussed at this point. The video below from Mineral Wells News will give you a little taste of what had been happening.
When any person is intimidated or harassed for exercising their right to vote in any election, The 134 PAC takes that very seriously. We advocate for free, fair and orderly elections and will oppose any attempt to disrupt any election in The 134. We will also take action against those responsible where appropriate.
Some may wonder why we care about what happened in a Republican Primary. We have no interest in who the Republicans nominate to run for office. But we all have a vital interest in making sure that all elections are conducted without fear and intimidation. If this is how radical activists treat their fellow Republicans in a primary, what will they be willing to do to Democratic voters in the general election? If we allow voter intimidation to happen in one election, it will happen in the next election, and the next, and the next until people are to afraid to vote. Then, even though there may be an election, it becomes in reality no election at all
We are in the process of investigating these incidents by gathering evidence, and speaking with government officials and witnesses. We will then determine what action if any needs to be taken to protect the rights of every voter in Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County to cast their vote free of intimidation.
Any person who has information about any acts of voter intimidation or harassment that occurred in Palo Pinto County during the primary election on March 5, 2024 we ask that you email us at admin@the134pac.org. You can also contact us through our website. We would like to speak to you and obtain any videos, recordings or photographs of the events you may have. Working together we can hold the people responsible accountable for their actions, and make sure this does not happen again.
The 134 PAC is the leading voice for rural Texas Democrats.