Travis County leaders defend efforts to register voters after Paxton lawsuit [Video]

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas – Travis County leaders are defending their efforts to register residents to vote after Attorney General Ken Paxton sued them. The AG is accusing them of spending public funds on a partisan voter registration company.

County leaders said they are trying to increase voter participation. Paxton said what they are doing is unlawful.

“Every time I say it in my head, it sounds ridiculous. Travis County has been sued for attempting to register eligible voters to vote,” Travis County Attorney Delia Garza said.

RELATED: Texas AG Ken Paxton suing Travis County over voter participation program

Paxton filed a lawsuit earlier this month accusing the county of hiring a partisan organization to identify unregistered voters.

County officials said they put out a bid for the position and received one response.

“So, if we wanted the work done, that was our option,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

County commissioners approved and awarded the bid to …