The Texas VRA Will Restore Our Voting Power, Modernize Elections 

& Meet the Needs of a Rapidly Changing State

TEXAS – Progress Texas, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Freedom Network–Texas Rising Action, and Common Cause Texas join the countless democracy leaders that cemented our civil rights in 1965 and organizations supporting voting rights—Asian Texans for Justice, Clean Elections Texas, Emgage Action, Houston Area Urban League, Jolt Action—to introduce the Barbara Jordan Texas Voting Rights Act. 

This 89th legislative session, Texas has an opportunity to restore and expand our voting power and improve the elections system for every voter, by supporting Representative John H. Bucy III’s House Bills 2082 and 5258— that propose overdue, proven solutions that will protect Texas voters from suppression, discrimination, and intimidation; expand election infrastructure; and increase access and turnout—to ensure every Texas voter can fully participate in our democracy through free, fair, and secure elections. Modernizing voter registration is not only good for our democracy, it’s great for our pocketbooks. The Texas VRA would save taxpayers money and decrease errors in the archaic paper registration process.

“Texas has long played a pivotal role in national elections, yet it remains one of the hardest places to vote,” said Representative John H. Bucy III (D-Austin.) “House Bill 5258 is about changing that and ensuring every eligible Texan can cast their ballot freely, fairly, and without unnecessary barriers. As the home state of Barbara Jordan and a key battleground in the fight for voting rights, Texas should lead the nation in expanding access, not restricting it. This bill honors our history and strengthens our democracy by making elections more accessible, secure, and reflective of every Texan’s voice.”

“Anti-democracy legislators have increasingly reduced access to the polls, because they are afraid of the united power of Texans,” said Progress Texas Advocacy Associate Tatum Owens. “SB 1 is a notable example for its restrictions of state election laws, criminalization of voter assistance, and limits to vote-by-mail and county election options — but so much more is at risk if we don’t take action now. Texans deserve comprehensive remedies to restore and expand their voting power.”

“The TXVRA will be the most comprehensive state Voting Rights Act in the country if enacted,” said Christina Das, Policy Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.  “It will tear down barriers to the ballot box that disproportionately impact Black and Brown Texans. Our promise of democracy cannot be fulfilled until every eligible Texan from across this diverse state can access the ballot box free from voter suppression, dilution, and intimidation. Building off a successful and growing movement of State Voting Rights Acts across the country, this legislation will enshrine into Texas law necessary safeguards against voting discrimination.” 

“Ever since we lost vital protections within the Voting Rights Act, politicians in Texas have been doing all they can to make it harder to vote,” said Emily French, Policy Director from Common Cause Texas. “We know the Trump administration won’t be swooping in to protect Texans’ voting rights. We need the Barbara Jordan Act passed into law to keep our elections secure, accessible, and free.”

“Barbara Jordan was a fierce community advocate and understood that our democracy was strengthened by allowing all people to vote, regardless of their gender, race, or ethnicity,” said Rocío Fierro-Pérez, Political Director at Texas Freedom Network/Texas Rising Action. “Texas Freedom Network is proud to join our allies in advocating for the passage of House Bill 5258 and House Bill 2082. Our legislators need to remember that we all deserve access to the ballot box, not barriers.”

“The Houston Area Urban League stands in full support of the Barbara Jordan Texas Voting Rights Act because every Texan deserves a voice in our democracy,” said Judson W. Robinson III, Houston Area Urban League President & CEO. “Voting should be accessible, secure, and fair for all—regardless of race, background, socio-economic status, or zip code. By advancing House Bills 2082 and 5258, we have a critical opportunity to strengthen our elections, protect against voter suppression, and ensure every eligible voter has a clear and unimpeded path to the ballot box. It is time to uphold the values of democracy and make elections truly representative of all Texans.”

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NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (“LDF”) Since its founding in 1940, LDF has used litigation, policy advocacy, public education, and community organizing strategies to achieve racial justice and equity in education, economic justice, political participation, and criminal justice. Throughout its history, LDF has worked to enforce and promote laws and policies that increase access to the electoral process and prohibit voting discrimination, intimidation, and suppression. LDF has been fully separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”) since 1957, though LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.