Gov. Perry Issues Proclamation Calling Special Election in Legislative District 144

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, a vacancy now exists in the membership of the Texas House of Representatives in District No. 144 which consists of part of Harris County; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution requires the Governor to issue a writ of election ordering an election upon such a vacancy; and

WHEREAS, Texas Election Code §203.004 requires that, absent a finding of an emergency, the special election be held on the next uniform election date occurring on or after the 36th day after the date the election is ordered; and

WHEREAS, November 6, 2012 is the next such available uniform election date occurring after the date the election is ordered; and

WHEREAS, Texas Election Code §3.003 requires the election to be ordered by proclamation of the Governor;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby order a special election to be held in District 144 on November 6, 2012, for the purpose of electing a State Representative for House District No. 144 to serve out the unexpired term of the Honorable Ken Legler.

Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2012, in accordance with Texas Election Code §201.054(f).

Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on October 22, 2012, in accordance with Texas Election Code §85.001(a).

A copy of this order shall be mailed immediately to the County Judge of Harris County; and all appropriate writs will be issued and all proper proceedings will be followed for the purpose that said election may be held to fill the vacancy in District 144 and its result proclaimed in accordance with law.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 15th day of June, 2012.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas