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They are setting
new rules for voting by mail,
boosting the role of partisan poll watchers and
rolling back local initiatives meant to make it easier to vote —
specifically those championed by Harris County that were disproportionately used by voters of color —
while expanding access in more conservative, rural areas.
Changes to the Texas election process in SB 1 include
- A ban on drive-thru voting
- New regulations for early voting hours, including a ban on 24-hour voting
- A ban on the distribution of mail-in ballot applications
- New ID requirements for voting by mail
- A correction process for mail-in voting
- Enhancing poll watcher protections
- Establishing monthly citizenship checks
- Creating new rules for voter assistance
It will become a state jail felony for local election officials to send unsolicited applications to request a mail-in ballot.
The state currently uses a signature matching process to verify completed ballots.
strengthen the autonomy of partisan poll watchers at polling places by granting them “free movement” within a polling place,
The bill would establish new requirements — and possible criminal penalties — for those who assist voters who need help filling out their ballots, including voters with disabilities.
The person assisting must fill out new paperwork disclosing their relationship to the voter.
Assistants must also recite an expanded oath, now under the penalty of perjury, stating they did not “pressure or coerce” the voter into choosing them for assistance.
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08...rictions-bill/
