Georgetown, TX – Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell issued a formal apology following a regrettable incident in which he insinuated that volunteer poll watchers were responsible for a man's heart attack at a polling center during early voting. On October 30, 2023, an Alternate Elections Judge suffered a sudden cardiac episode at the Leander Public Library.
In an email sent to county officials, Judge Gravell asserted that the presence of poll watchers created stress in the environment and had "single-handedly nearly cost someone their life," a sentiment he later echoed during a public Commissioners' Court meeting. Furthermore, he called for a criminal investigation into the actions of the Poll Watchers by no less than three levels of law enforcement within Williamson County.
The poll watchers in question, Laura Pressley, PhD and Citizens Defending Freedom volunteer Robert Bagwell, acted promptly upon realizing there was a crisis and worked to get help. At the time of this press release, the Alternate Judge is still alive and under medical treatment in a local hospital.
The next day, Gravell made the inaccurate accusations against the poll watchers at the Commissioners Court meeting. Upon hearing this, Bagwell confronted Gravell at that same meeting. Follow this link for Bagwell’s statement at Commissioners’ Court, it starts at 17:38:
Pressley's attorney then addressed a letter to Judge Gravell, highlighting the inaccuracies in Gravell's email and public statements.
Tuesday, November 7, Judge Gravell offered a formal apology to Mr. Bagwell and Dr. Pressley by reading a prepared statement at the end of the Commissioners' Court meeting.
Follow this linke for the Gravell’s apology, it starts at 1:03:26: https://williamsoncountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/280359
“I am grateful for the quick reaction of all parties involved, including those who helped revive the Alternative Judge. We appreciate Judge Gravell’s retraction. We all agree that conducting our county elections in accordance with all federal and state laws is in the best interest of all WilCo citizens.” said Bagwell, Citizens Defending Freedom volunteer.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.