ANALYSIS
The Freedom to Vote Act: National Context
Among its provisions, the Freedom to Vote Act would create nationwide standards for early voting, mail voting, voting restoration, voter identification, and voter registration. Below is a summary of how each of these provisions would change existing state law across...
The Potential Impact of H.R. 4
On August 24, the House passed H.R. 4, also known as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This federal legislation would require states and jurisdictions to obtain certification, or “preclearance” before making changes to election procedures in...
Party First: How State Legislatures Are Injecting Partisanship Into Our Elections
This year, we’ve spotted a new trend taking hold at the state level with many states introducing bills that give partisan actors more power to shape and control election outcomes. The most extreme legislation would move the power to choose the president from the...
On a Federal Voter ID Law, the Devil is in the Details
In proposing a compromise package for federal voting legislation, Senator Joe Manchin recently released a framework that includes two weeks of early voting, automatic voter registration, a ban on partisan gerrymandering, and a first-ever national voter ID law among...
Texas Should Enact Common Sense Reforms to Modernize Election Systems and Maximize Voter Freedom
Texas has an opportunity to upgrade its election process to provide eligible voters increased freedom in how they register, vote, and assure their vote is counted while also supporting the integrity of Texas elections by providing uniform and consistent access for...
Texas Bills Enacted Following the Regular Legislative Session
The following bills were signed by Governor Abbott following the regular legislative session. Bills that share provisions from versions of the omnibus Senate Bill 7, as passed by either chamber, are noted: Anti-Voter Bills HB 574 - creates a 2nd degree felony offense...
Comparison of Contents of Texas Senate Bill 7 as Passed by Each Chamber
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS IN EACH VERSION As amended and passed by the House on second reading in the early morning hours of May 7, 2021, and passed finally following third reading on May 7, 2021, SB 7: Threatens election officials with criminal prosecution for enacting...
From the Polls to Prison: A New Front in the War Against Voting Rights
The biennial Texas legislative session, concluding at the end of the month, has seen lawmakers open up a new front in the ongoing national war for voter suppression. Legislators have proposed numerous bills seeking to create or raise criminal penalties for actions by...
No Comparison: Pitting Laws in New York Against Georgia’s Election Legislation is a False Argument
In the wake of the passage of Georgia’s sweeping anti-voter legislation, some have been quick to draw comparisons between Georgia’s bill and laws on the books in blue states — particularly New York. Comparing Georgia’s enacted legislation to New York’s current law is...
Voting Restoration: A Spark of Hope in State Election Legislation
In the next week, Washington Governor Jay Inslee is expected to sign H.B. 1078/S.B. 5086 into law. This bill restores the right to vote to tens of thousands of Washingtonians with past felony convictions once they return home from prison. Once it becomes law, more...
The Markup
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