Today the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) submitted written testimony to the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in opposition of Senate Bill 7 that would further restrict access to voting. The proposed bill would eliminate straight ticket voting, voting mega centers, roll back early voting, prohibit the distribution of early voting applications, and restrict curbside voting. Senate Bill 7 would also enable dangerous voter intimidation by allowing “watchers” to roam freely, check ballots, film voters, and surveil voters. The bill’s “standardization” proposals would severely limit the state’s 254 counties abilities to respond to their communities voting needs and interests. Senate Bill 7 would place a burden and barrier on Black and Latinx Texas voters abilities to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. The bill threatens to minimize and suppress the political power of millions of Texas, disproportionately people of color, students, those living in rural communities and individuals with disabilities.
Read the full testimony here.
