Republicans have produced few examples of fraud and they re seen as out of proportion to sweeping changes that seek to reshape the way many Texans vote.
Here s Why Texas Thinks Voter Restrictions Are Needed – And Why Critics Disagree
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 This is a preventative measure for us, state Rep. Travis Clardy says of the Republican-backed Senate Bill 7, which sought to tighten voting rules, citing a need to prevent fraud. Here, opponents of the bill hold a rally last month at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
Gary Miller / Getty Images
Texas Republicans say their controversial move to tighten voter restrictions is sorely needed to prevent fraud. But the few examples of fraud they cite have been out of proportion to the sweeping changes included in their legislation, which seeks to reshape the way many Texans exercise their fundamental democratic right.
The Republican-controlled Texas State Senate passed a bill early Sunday that would impose a raft of new voting restrictions in the state, moving a step closer to the expected full passage of what would be among the most far-reaching laws in Republicans’ nationwide drive to overhaul elections systems and limit voting. The bill would tighten what are already some of the country’s strictest voting laws, and it would specifically target balloting.
Texas House to Take Up G.O.P. Voting Bill as Passage Nears
The bill, which includes some of the strictest voting measures in the country, would head to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott if it passes. He is expected to sign it into law.
Republicans have pushed forward with the voting legislation in Texas in the face of protests by Democrats and voting rights groups. Credit.Mikala Compton/Reuters
May 30, 2021, 10:16 a.m. ET
The Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives is poised to take up a bill on Sunday that would impose a raft of new voting restrictions in the state, moving a step closer to the expected full passage of what would be among the most far-reaching laws in Republicans’ nationwide drive to overhaul elections systems and limit voting.