New Texas voting laws, political maps could once again require federal approval under U.S. House bill named after John Lewis
The federal bill seeks to reinstate sections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were written to protect people of color. Texas House Democrats see it as a way to prevent implementing provisions of a Texas voting restrictions bill moving through the state Legislature.
The threats of state troopers arresting House Democrats have yet to materialize
As of Wednesday, there were no known cases of absent Democrats being arrested, and the chamber was still shy of the 100 members it needs for a quorum to conduct official business. That is despite its Aug. 10 vote to proceed with the arrests.
Texas Democrats dig in after exodus; GOP threatens arrest
Texas Republicans are authorizing law enforcement to find and bring back more than 50 legislators who fled to Washington “under warrant of arrest if necessary” after Democrats left the state to again block passage of sweeping new voting restrictions.
WATCH LIVE: Voting rights advocates to speak outside Texas Capitol after Democrat exodus, GOP threats for arrests
Voting rights advocates will speak outside the Texas Capitol on Tuesday afternoon as tensions mount over the GOP elections overhaul bill, which led to the exodus of Democrats in an attempt to block it.
Despite polls showing a close race, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick claims if Democrats win it will be “because they stole it”
Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Dan Patrick repeated unsubstantiated claims in a Thursday interview that the only way Republicans can lose on Election Day is if Democrats cheat. “The Democrats have just decided this election, Mark, we don't have to pay attention to any laws. The president leads the former vice president 50%-45% in Texas, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. During the radio interview, Patrick predicted some Texans will take to the streets to protest election results, depending on who wins.