GOP-Led Texas Senate Advances Voter Suppression Bill

The Texas Tribune reports:

Senate Republicans cleared the way Thursday for new, sweeping restrictions to voting in Texas that take particular aim at forbidding local efforts meant to widen access.

In an overnight vote after more than seven hours of debate, the Texas Senate signed off on Senate Bill 7, which would limit extended early voting hours, prohibit drive-thru voting and make it illegal for local election officials to proactively send applications to vote by mail to voters, even if they qualify.

The legislation is at the forefront of Texas Republicans’ crusade to further restrict voting in the state after last year’s election.

Read the full article. The bill was authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes [photo], who is also the author of the bill that would outlaw bans by social media platforms. Republicans hold an 18-13 majority in the state senate.

The bill would limit extended early voting hours, prohibit drive-thru voting and make it illegal for local election officials to proactively send applications to vote by mail to voters, even if they qualify.
Story via @TexasTribune https://t.co/jMlLQcb49L

— KCBD NewsChannel11 (@KCBD11) April 1, 2021