Lawsuit challenging Clear Creek ISD board election results dismissed

A lawsuit contesting the Clear Creek ISD board May election results filed by a conservative candidate who ran on a platform of fighting “indoctrination” has been dismissed, court records show. Misty Dawson, 41, originally filed the petition contesting the results of her narrow loss in the District 1 race to Jessica Cejka in June. Dawson alleged that illegal votes were cast in the election. Following an examination of cast ballots, attorneys representing Dawson conceded any alleged errors could not be proven to change the outcome of the election. The complaint was dismissed with prejudice Aug. 18.

“This matter is closed,” said Elaina Polsen, spokesperson for the district. “Jessica Cejka continues to serve in her elected position as a Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustee.” Dawson on Tuesday said she still believes errors were made in the handling of the election. “I had no choice but to withdraw the case,” she said. “Our case was strong…It came down to CCISD and Jessica Cejka having unlimited funds at their disposal…” The petition, filed under Title 14 of the Texas Election Code, which allows candidates of any election to contest results, claimed discrepancies in mail-in ballots may have changed the outcome of the tight race, which was won by 43 votes. Dawson had a lead in early voting, however Cejka won the election after mail-in ballots were counted. In the lawsuit, Dawson alleged the District 1 position appeared on at least 19 early voting ballots for mail-in voters who did not live within the district boundaries. The petition also claimed the number of voter registrations counted by Galveston County and the number compiled by the district to set the voting roll did not match, meaning others who live in District 1 may have been given the incorrect ballot.