Washington, D.C. — Today, the Texas Legislature passed a measure that would make it harder for people to exercise their fundamental right to vote. In response, William Roberts, managing director for Democracy and Government Reform at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This law has no purpose other than to suppress the voices of Texas voters, particularly those in historically underrepresented communities and communities of color. It’s part of a blatant effort in states across the country to erect new barriers that will block Americans from exercising their fundamental right to vote. And it passed despite the valiant effort of brave state legislators who staged a walkout to prevent a vote from taking place and to call for federal action. Now, it’s up to Congress to pass federal voting rights legislation such as the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that would halt these discriminatory anti-voting efforts and ensure that every American can cast a vote.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].