TCAN

Another big day at the capitol began with our participation in an excellent press conference organized by Sen. Rodney Ellis to show solid opposition to several onerous voter ID bills now making their way through the House (unfondly referred to as “voter roadblock” bills).

Senator Leticia van de Putte and Reps. Alma Allen, Rafael Anchía, Lon Burnam, and Senfronia Thompson joined Sen. Ellis in speaking eloquently against efforts to create further obstacles for the elderly, people with disabilities, and minorities to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Several emphasized the lack of evidence of any voter impersonation fraud in Texas, making this legislation “a solution in desperate search of a problem.”

Representing TCAN, John added his voice to the chorus, speaking of the dampening effect this legislation would have on grassroots voter registration drives that often take place in public places like malls, parks, concerts, and so on, where people seldom carry multiple forms of ID, much less proof of citizenship. Representatives of other like-minded advocacy groups did a good job explaining the various ways in which these bills would disenfranchise voters and suppress voter turnout.

We at TCAN believe government and society as a whole should be doing everything possible to encourage, rather than discourage, voter participation. Sign up for TCAN action alerts to learn how you can help block voter roadblocks!