Most legislative sessions are over nowadays, so we’re taking a look at voting rights news. Here are this week’s highlights!
Federal
- For the People Act
- Why we’re watching: While other states’ voter rolls are burning, the federal government keeps twiddling its thumbs on the issue. Both Sen. Manchin of West Virginia and Sen. Sinema of Arizona have publicly voiced opposition to abolishing the filibuster, a move that would permit Democrats to vastly expand voting rights and preempt state-level restrictions.
Georgia
- SB202
- Why we’re watching: It’s been a while since we’ve discussed SB202, which garnered widespread outcry as oppressing Black and Brown communities in Georgia. We bring the bill up because U.S. Senators are in Atlanta this week to hold hearings on the matter as part of a federal push for voting rights.
Illinois
- SB825
- Why we’re watching: This omnibus bill was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker over a month ago, but it’s still a testament to the power of good legislation. The new law creates permanent voter lists and improves access to mail-in ballots – safe to say we love it.
Texas
- SB1
- Why we’re watching: In case you’ve been living under a rock, Texas state Democrats have been holed up in Washington this week in a walk-out to protest the proposal of oppressive voting laws. The bill would restrict absentee voting, ban drive-through polls, and erase millions of registered voters from state data.
- HB3
- Why we’re watching: While HB3 shares many of the same ugly provisions as its bicameral companion, there is one silver lining. This proposal, with Democratic language, would force judges to inform detainees whether a conviction would affect their voting rights.
What do you think of the bills in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
