01.13.13

Reversing voter ID and increasing voter participation

Posted in Around The State, Elections at 6:00 am by wcnews

Texas state Rep. Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) has filed a series of bills related to reversing the attack on voting rights in Texas over the last few years. It includes repealing last sessions discriminatory voter id law. Here’s the Texas Tribune story on the bills.

State Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas, started the 83rd legislative session with one issue in mind: voter identification laws.

Johnson filed five bills Thursday, his first legislation of the new session, aiming to both increase voter participation and strike down a bill requiring voters to show photo IDs at the polls.

For some reason the Tribune left out HB 466 which would require that voter registration forms be provided to ex-offenders who qualify for having their voting rights restored. These are logical and much needed bills that would help increase citizen participation. They therefore have no chance of passing in our GOP controlled state. This is a perfect example of the difference in priorities between Democrats and the GOP. Democrats want more citizen participation in our elections.

Rep. Johnson’s press release can be read below the fold.

REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON FILES BILLS SEEKING TO PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS AND EXPAND VOTER PARTICIPATION IN TEXAS

For Immediate Release January 11, 2013

AUSTIN, TX – In an effort to protect and expand the franchise, Representative Eric Johnson (D- Dallas) has filed legislation to increase access to the ballot box and facilitate greater voter participation.

“The ability to cast a ballot is a fundamental right that has come under attack in the last few years,” said Representative Johnson. “I have filed legislation that seeks to reverse this trend in order to protect the rights of all voters, while at the same time making the process more welcoming in hopes of increasing participation,” he continued.

These voting rights measures are the first five bills filed by Representative Johnson in the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature. Three of the bills are meant to improve voter participation by means of creating uniform election hours at early vote locations, allowing for same day voter registration, and making Election Day an official state holiday.

The other two bills filed by Representative Johnson seek to protect voting rights. One does so by repealing Senate Bill 14 from last session, the so-called “Voter ID” law, which has not yet taken effect because a federal court has blocked its implementation. The other aims to protect the voting rights of former felons, as the successful re-integration of ex-offenders into society is best served by encouraging their participation in the political process.

House Bill 463

Would make Election Day a state holiday in order to encourage employers to allow their employees to take the time required to cast a ballot without having to worry about missing work.

House Bill 464

Would allow for same day voter registration at polling locations, making it easier for all citizens to vote.

House Bill 465

Would repeal Senate Bill 14, the Voter ID law passed during the last legislative session that is currently blocked in federal court.

RREPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON FILES BILLS SEEKING TO PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS AND EXPAND VOTER PARTICIPATION IN TEXAS

For Immediate Release January 11, 2013

AUSTIN, TX – In an effort to protect and expand the franchise, Representative Eric Johnson (D- Dallas) has filed legislation to increase access to the ballot box and facilitate greater voter participation.

“The ability to cast a ballot is a fundamental right that has come under attack in the last few years,” said Representative Johnson. “I have filed legislation that seeks to reverse this trend in order to protect the rights of all voters, while at the same time making the process more welcoming in hopes of increasing participation,” he continued.

These voting rights measures are the first five bills filed by Representative Johnson in the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature. Three of the bills are meant to improve voter participation by means of creating uniform election hours at early vote locations, allowing for same day voter registration, and making Election Day an official state holiday.

The other two bills filed by Representative Johnson seek to protect voting rights. One does so by repealing Senate Bill 14 from last session, the so-called “Voter ID” law, which has not yet taken effect because a federal court has blocked its implementation. The other aims to protect the voting rights of former felons, as the successful re-integration of ex-offenders into society is best served by encouraging their participation in the political process.

House Bill 463

Would make Election Day a state holiday in order to encourage employers to allow their employees to take the time required to cast a ballot without having to worry about missing work.

House Bill 464

Would allow for same day voter registration at polling locations, making it easier for all citizens to vote.

House Bill 465

Would repeal Senate Bill 14, the Voter ID law passed during the last legislative session that is currently blocked in federal court.House Bill 466

Would require that voter registration forms be provided to ex-offenders who qualify for having their voting rights restored.

House Bill 467

Would require that all Early Vote polling locations in the same county maintain the same hours of operation.

Additionally, in an effort to further increase voter participation on a national scale, Representative Johnson intends to file a House Concurrent Resolution calling upon Congress to designate Election Day as a national holiday.

Together, these measures will dramatically improve the ability of all Texans to participate in our democratic system and ensure that their voices are heard.

Eric Johnson represents District 100, which includes parts of Dallas and Mesquite, in the Texas House of Representatives. During the 82nd Texas Legislature, he served on the House Committee on Higher Education and the House Committee on Appropriations as well as the interim House Committee on Manufacturing. He also served on the Joint House and Senate Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence, and Transparency.

Contact: Richard Griffin 512-463-0586

 

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.