Proclamation - August 29, 2006

Proclamation
by the
Governor of the State of Texas

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, the resignation of Congressman Tom DeLay has created a vacancy in the United States House of Representatives for the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, consisting of parts of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris Counties; and

WHEREAS, Article I, Section 21 of the United States Constitution, and Section 204.021 of the Texas Election Code require that a special election be ordered upon such vacancy; and Title 2, Section 8 of the United States Code requires that the date of such election be as prescribed by state law; and

WHEREAS, absent a finding of an emergency, Section 203.004 of the Texas Election Code requires that the special election be held on the next uniform election date occurring on or after the 36th day after the date the election is ordered; and

WHEREAS, November 7, 2006, is the next such eligible uniform election date; and

WHEREAS, the 109th Congress is in session and the constituents of the 22nd Congressional District are without representation until the candidate elected in the next general election takes office, and

WHEREAS, Section 3.003 of the Texas Election Code requires the election to be ordered by proclamation of the Governor.

NOW THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby order a special election to be held in District No. 22 on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, for the purpose of electing a United States Representative for District No. 22 to serve out the unexpired term of the Honorable Tom DeLay.

Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 1, 2006. Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on October 23, 2006, and shall continue through November 3, 2006, in accordance with Section 85.001 of the Texas Election Code.

The Secretary of State will immediately mail a copy of this order to the County Judges in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris Counties; and all appropriate writs will be issued and all proper proceedings will be followed to the end that said election may be held to fill the vacancy in Congressional District No. 22, and its result proclaimed in accordance with law.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 29th day of August, 2006.

RICK PERRY(Signature)
Governor of Texas

Attested by:
ROGER WILLIAMS(Signature)
Secretary of State