Let’s hope this is the last time….
They are only counted if it is later confirmed that the person is eligible to vote. Mason’s ballot was never counted.
While Mason’s supervised release officer testified she failed to advise her that she could not vote, prosecutors argued Mason knew of her ineligibility and attempted to vote anyway.
As this will be the second time the case comes before the court, Mason is hoping this is the last time. “While I am ready for this case to be over and for my acquittal to stand, I will continue to maintain my faith that justice will be done,” Mason said in a statement. Her lawyers feel the same. Mason is being represented by numerous teams, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, ACLU National, Texas Civil Rights Project, criminal defense attorney Alison Grinter Allen, and civil attorney Kim T. Cole, who says they “remain confident.” “We respect the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision to further review this case,” senior staff attorney at the Texas ACLU, Tommy Buser-Clancy, said.
“We remain confident that the court of appeals made the right decision in vacating Ms. Mason’s conviction and rendering an acquittal. We look forward to briefing our position to the court.”
The case will proceed without oral argument, and while a schedule has yet to be identified, Allen feels the case will be a victory for others incarcerated who may be fearful of going to the polls. “We have faith that the court will uphold Crystal’s acquittal, and all Texans will see a day when they can feel confident in the franchise and go to the polls unafraid that they could face prison time for any mistake or misunderstanding,” Allen said.
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Source: Black Enterprise
