Texas makes it harder to vote than almost any other state, ranking 46th in the nation for voting access. Extremist politicians in Texas are only making it harder.
There is a better way: The Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act [HB 5258] will enshrine a powerful and critical state Voting Rights Act into Texas law. It will protect Black voters and other voters of color in Texas from voting discrimination, provide powerful tools to combat voter intimidation, expand language access, and more — to ensure free and fair elections for every Texas voter.
This legislation builds on the foundations of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as well as successful state Voting Rights Acts enacted in Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, California, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia. If enacted, the legislation would become the most comprehensive state Voting Rights Acts in the nation.
Texas elections are plagued by voting discrimination. Recent anti-voter laws, such as Senate Bill 1, have limited access to the ballot box by banning “drive-thru” voting, prohibiting mail-in ballot drop-boxes, and limiting early and absentee voting. Additionally, ahead of the 2024 general election, more than 2.1 million registered Texas voters were cut from the active voter rolls. On election day, voters routinely face severe barriers, from a lack of curbside voting to a lack of accessible entrances and parking, to long lines. In recent years, voters have increasingly faced intimidation, resulting in hostile environments that have chilled voter participation.
The Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act of Texas (TXVRA) proposes a bold vision to improve elections for all Texas voters.
Addressing racial vote dilution – which occurs in unfair districts or election systems that weaken or drown out people’s voices based on their race – and addressing barriers that deny voting opportunities in a way that is efficient and effective for both voters and local governments within Texas.
Launching a “preclearance” program that requires local governments with records of discrimination to prove that certain voting changes won’t harm voters based on their race before these changes can go into effect.
Expanding language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency so every eligible voter can participate effectively.
Implementing a central public repository for election and demographic data with the goal of fostering transparent, evidence-based practices in election administration.
Combatting voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction with new tools to empower voters to protect their rights, which is more important than ever due to recent efforts to stoke fear, spread disinformation, and obstruct access to the ballot box among eligible voters and communities of color.
Instructing judges to interpret and apply state laws and rules in favor of robust and equal access to the ballot whenever possible.
The continued and escalating threats of racial discrimination in voting in Texas make this a perilous time for our democracy. The Barbara Jordan Texas Voting Rights Act would go a long way to counteract both recent and historical efforts to diminish the voting power of Black and Brown Texans. Texas can and should lead in protecting the right to vote and promoting inclusive democracy by adopting the Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act (TXVRA).
Voting Rights
State VRAS can provide key protections to their constituents that prevent and guard against discriminatory voting practices and policies. Learn more about LDF’s work to advance state VRAs
LDF Original Content
A tandem approach of restoring and expanding federal voting rights legislation along with passing individual state VRAs is essential for providing the most robust voting protections for all voters.
LDF Original Content
How States with discriminatory maps have shirked their responsibilities to their constituents, paving the way for the passage of oppressive legislation.
