Texas Democrats Unite Against Voter Suppression Bill SB7

A divisive bill, SB7, has passed the Texas Senate, sparking widespread condemnation from Democrats, voting rights advocates, and concerned Texans. Introduced by Republicans, this voter suppression bill is seen as a flagrant assault on voting rights, particularly affecting communities of color and those with disabilities. Despite efforts from Democrats to defeat the bill, it has cleared the Senate, prompting a strong response from the Texas Democratic Party and its Chair, Gilberto Hinojosa.

Key Takeaways:

• SB7 is a voter suppression bill that passed the Texas Senate, with Republicans voting in favor despite opposition from Democrats and voting rights advocates.
• The bill introduces massive barriers for voters with disabilities and Black and Latino Texans, including slashing early voting hours and creating onerous requirements for voters receiving assistance.
• Democrats have introduced 21 amendments to reduce the negative impacts of the bill, signed by all 13 Democratic Texas Senators.
• The bill is seen as a racist and terrifying attempt to plunge Texas back into Jim Crow, with Republicans voting to gut the foundations of democracy: Texans' constitutional right to vote.
• Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa has stated that Republicans are delusional if they expect anyone to accept this legislation without a fight, and Democrats will fight tooth and nail to stop the bill from being signed into law.

Statistics:

• 21 amendments were introduced by Democrats to reduce the negative impacts of the bill.
• All 13 Democratic Texas Senators signed the amendments.
• The bill passed the Texas Senate with Republicans voting in favor.
• 13 Democratic Senators voted against the bill.
• 21 voting rights advocates testified against the bill at the Capitol last week.

Sources:

• Texas Democratic Party
• Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas Democratic Party Chair
• Statement by Gilberto Hinojosa, dated March 24, 2023/no date mentioned