TEXAS — State lawmakers, elections officials and voting rights activists headed to the capitol on Saturday for a marathon debate over the future of the Texas Election Code.
Both the House and Senate versions of a controversial Republican bill are on the docket for public hearings.
While Republicans are pressing on with new rules under the banner of security, Democrats condemn the measures and are trying to pass their own elections bills.
On Friday, Senate Democrats unveiled their version of an election system overhaul.
“It’s time to focus on our Democracy, making our democratic process more accessible, not file legislation that will harm our voters access to the ballot box and, therefore, silencing their voices," said Sen. José Menéndez, (D) Texas Senate District 26.
Called the Barbara Jordan Fair Elections Act, it includes a number of provisions to increase access to voting, including expanding the use of mail ballots, lengthening the early voting period and allowing online voter registration.
“It’s amazing we can send a rover to Mars. But we can't provide access to the ballot in a secure manner that makes it more convenient for voters," said Sen. Royce West, (D) Texas Senate District 23.
While the bill is not likely to get a hearing in the Republican-controlled legislature, Democrats called it their alternative to GOP election legislation they strongly oppose.
“I’ve been here 48 years, I've never witnessed any attack on the democratic process like we're experiencing," said Sen. John Whitmire, (D) Texas Senate District 15.
The GOP bills include limitations on voting hours, eliminate drive through voting and absentee ballot drop boxes, and require additional ID verification.
Republicans say the legislation is necessary to ensure election security.
“This bill is a direct response to testimony we've heard about problems in Texas elections, so it's our job to respond to. If we don't, these problems are going to continue," said Sen. Bryan Hughes, (R) Texas Senate District 1.
“They do a good job of making sure that we can have confidence in the outcome of our elections, and to make sure that we are counting only legal votes, and not illegal votes," said Chad Ennis, Senior Fellow and Attorney at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
But Democrats say it amounts to blatant voter suppression.
“This bill hurts all voters regardless of their party affiliation," said Sen. Menéndez. "And it is a part of a national trend that we're seeing around the country. We're asking everyone to wake up and pay attention to the attempts that are being made to make it hard for you to exercise your right to vote.