The state's highest criminal court in Texas has concluded the nearly decade-long illegal voting case against Crystal Mason, confirming her acquittal. In a 5-4 decision on Thursday, the court reversed its earlier agreement to hear an appeal from the local prosecutor, allowing a 2024 acquittal by the Texas court of criminal appeals to remain.
Ms Mason was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison after casting a provisional ballot during the 2016 presidential election. At the time, she was on supervised release for a federal tax felony. Texas law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from voting while on probation.
Ms Mason has consistently maintained that casting the ballot was an innocent mistake and that she was unaware she was ineligible to vote. The provisional ballot she cast was ultimately not counted.
Following the decision, Ms Mason stated, "After 10 long years of fighting, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude." Four justices on the court wrote dissenting opinions, arguing there was sufficient evidence to show Ms Mason knew she was ineligible to vote.