Suppression session. That is the term being used to aptly describe the special session called by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This session is intended to push through a Jim Crow 2.0 agenda that will ultimately hinder the progression of poor black, brown, and indigenous people in the state of Texas. Not the least of these is Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 3, which seek to strategically and systematically deny Texans the right to participate in the democratic process.
Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 3, similar in structure, seek to overturn the progressive policies recently implemented by former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins. For example, he supported drive-through voting, Sunday Souls to the Polls events, and 24 hours voting, all of which were disproportionately utilized by historically marginalized voters. These bills also ban election officials from sending unsolicited applications for mail-in ballots, meaning the voter would have to ask for an absentee ballot application before the county can send them one, and include new voter identification requirements for absentee ballots. They would likewise protect partisan poll watchers while making it easier to prosecute those who help differently-abled people at the ballot box.
All of this comes in an attempt to curb what some claim as widespread voter fraud. Coincidently, there has been no substantive evidence suggesting widespread fraud. However, that is the “big lie” they are perpetuating from the failed campaign of President Trump, who claims that he lost because of substantial voter fraud within the democratic party, which, of course, is categorically untrue. To base a total restructuring of voting laws on a lie is not very Texan at all. Texans value truth, honesty, decency, and fact–not lies that seek to divide, but truths that work to unite.
Texans want clean water and breathable air, a working power grid, and habitable housing. Good paying jobs and affordable education; To put their thermostat on their desired temperature, not one that will appease ERCOT. Texans want their children to grow up in a state that accepts them no matter how they identify or who they love. Texans are not concerned with unfounded lies that stroke fear and resentment; they are concerned with recovering from a catastrophic pandemic and making much-needed repairs to the crumbling infrastructure.
This issue of voting is a deeply personal one for me. My ancestors fought tirelessly for my right to enjoy the freedom of voting uninhibitedly. My great grandparents were sharecroppers; every time I go to the ballot box, I am living out their wildest dreams. Neither of them ever got the opportunity to vote, so I take their spirits with me every time I do.
Voting is not a privilege; it is a right! Privileges can be taken away, restricted, restructured; rights are fundamental and foundational in the Constitution. If we understood voting in this context, HB 3 and SB 1 would not exist because instead of dangling voting like a carrot to a horse, we would be trying to make it easier and more accessible for everyone to participate. We would be expanding the mail-in process and offering 24-hour voting, and encouraging people to assist differently-abled people, not threatening them with laws that will make it easier to prosecute if they make a mistake. We would be approving online and automatic voter registration and banning partisan poll watchers with personal and political agendas. However and wherever the election process can be made easier, we should be doing that!
These policies hurt the bottom and benefit the top. That is not justice. We want JUSTICE! And doggone it, we’re going to get it because we’re Texans! When we fight, we win!
Greg Norwood is a graduating senior at the University of Houston. He currently serves on the National Youth Advisory Board for Young Invincibles and as a Policy Fellow at Every Texan. He is committed to building coalitions to build community and advancing the movement while shedding light on injustices everywhere.