Newsweek: Texas Democrats Walk Out of State Legislature to Block Elections Bill, Fly to D.C. Instead

Newsweek: Texas Democrats Walk Out of State Legislature to Block Elections Bill, Fly to D.C. Instead

"Texas Democrats are showing America what it looks like to fight like hell for our voting rights. They are using every tool available because they know there is nothing more important than preserving our democracy so every Texan can have their voice be heard by their government," Common Cause Texas Executive Director Anthony Gutierrez added in a statement. Gutierrez noted that while the actions of state lawmakers are commendable, other states may not have the same option to push back on their own respective election bills. "Texas is just one example. Voters in Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and countless others are also facing Republican-led schemes to strip away our voting rights," he said. "Voters cannot afford to wait any longer for Congress to take action. If we believe in free and fair elections, then we have to fight for them." "Texas Democrats have led by example, doing whatever it takes to preserve our democracy. Now it's time for Congress to do the same," Gutierrez added.

Texas Democrats are walking out of a special session of the state legislature in an effort to block a Republican-led elections bill from passing and flying to Washington, D.C. instead.

At least 58 Democratic members of the state House of Representatives plan to leave Austin on Monday to block several bills, including a sweeping elections bill, by denying Republicans a quorum.

Under the Texas Constitution, the legislature requires a quorum of two-thirds of lawmakers be present to conduct state business in either chamber. Absent lawmakers can be legally compelled to return to the state capital and risk arrest flying out of the state. …

“Texas Democrats are showing America what it looks like to fight like hell for our voting rights. They are using every tool available because they know there is nothing more important than preserving our democracy so every Texan can have their voice be heard by their government,” Common Cause Texas Executive Director Anthony Gutierrez added in a statement.

Gutierrez noted that while the actions of state lawmakers are commendable, other states may not have the same option to push back on their own respective election bills.

“Texas is just one example. Voters in Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and countless others are also facing Republican-led schemes to strip away our voting rights,” he said. “Voters cannot afford to wait any longer for Congress to take action. If we believe in free and fair elections, then we have to fight for them.”

“Texas Democrats have led by example, doing whatever it takes to preserve our democracy. Now it’s time for Congress to do the same,” Gutierrez added.