Tarrant County DA appeals ruling overturning woman’s illegal voting conviction

The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has announced their intention to appeal last month’s ruling by a Texas appeals court that overturned the conviction of Crystal Mason for illegal voting in 2018.

Mason, who was on probation for a felony conviction in 2016, voted in an election using a provisional ballot. She was subsequently convicted of voter fraud and sentenced to five years in prison. However, Mason claimed she was unaware that being on probation made her ineligible to vote.

In March 2024, Justice Wade Birdwell wrote that simply reading the words on the affidavit accompanying her provisional ballot did not prove Mason knowingly cast an illegal vote.

However, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has disagreed with this ruling, stating that Mason’s conviction was based on testimony indicating she understood the implications of signing the affidavit. They argue that Birdwell did not properly consider this evidence and ask the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reverse the decision.

The ACLU of Texas, which has been supporting Mason, expressed disappointment with the district attorney’s decision to pursue further review. They believe the appeals court’s decision was correct and hope for a resolution that brings peace to Mason and her family.

The timing of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hearing on the case is currently uncertain.