The Republican candidate who lost to State Representative Donna Howard in Austin's House District 48 has subpoenaed documents from the Travis County Clerk's Office. Dan Neil's lawyers are reviewing them today.
Mary Faro, a spokesperson for County Clerk Dana Dana DeBeauvoir, said attorneys from Howard's camp were there observing. She said the subpoena (posted below) commanded the Election's Office to provide documents locked in a closet that can only be unlocked by the County Sheriff.
Neil, a sports radio host on The Horn 104.9, lost the district by 16 votes on election night. After a recount was ordered, his margin of loss was narrowed to 12. Neil requested an investigation of the election with the Secretary of State. That office collects information and submits it to a Special Master of Discovery. The Special Master is State Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas), who was appointed by House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio.)
Harnett will evaluate the evidence presented to him by the Speaker and will hold proceedings, during which Howard and Neil may submit their own evidence.
Faro, the County Clerk's spokesperson, said the documents Neil's lawyers were examining included a form voters must to initial when they show up to vote without a voter card. They were also examining mail-in ballots.
Full details of the documents Neil's lawyers requested can be found in the subpoena below.
