A political action committee in Collin County has requested a federal review of conduct surrounding a local recall effort. Collin County Citizens for Integrity submitted a civil rights complaint to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to examine claims that residents are being pressured or identified while gathering signatures.
The group asserts that while opposing the recall is a protected right, specific actions have crossed into harassment. The complaint cites documented social media posts, recordings, and other communications as evidence of interference. It states that some individuals who signed or considered signing have been publicly identified online. The organization claims these residents have expressed fears regarding retaliation, reputational harm, or professional consequences.
"Our concern involves statements and conduct that appear directed toward identifying, singling out, harassing, intimidating, or discouraging individual citizens from participating in the petition process," the complaint states. The group is seeking a determination on whether the alleged actions constitute unlawful interference or coercion.
It also requests an investigation into whether coordinated online efforts are being used to expose signers and if any individuals acting under governmental authority participated in such conduct. The complaint represents the organization's allegations and does not establish that federal law has been violated.
The recall effort targets four local officials: Mayor Bill Cox, At-Large 1 Council Member Ernest Lynch, District 3 Council Member Geré Feltus, and District 1 Council Member Justin Beller. The initiating affidavit cites a loss of public confidence as the reason for the removal bid.
Although the affidavit does not specifically identify the council's August 4 vote approving a mosque and Islamic center as formal grounds, that issue has remained prominent in the broader political debate.
