In Re Kevin H. Bell, Relator

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that signatures on a candidate’s petition are not invalid merely because the signers omitted their city of residence, since the remaining information permits verification of voter eligibility. Accordingly, the Court conditionally granted a writ of mandamus directing the Harris County Republican Party to certify Kevin H. Bell as a candidate for the March 12, 2002 primary ballot. Justice Baker, dissenting, argued that the Election Code’s plain language requires the city and therefore the majority’s decision is contrary to the statute.