Abbott Signs Voting Restriction Bill into Law

Well, they did it. Texas Republicans finally did it, they’ve managed to pass into law the worst voting restriction bill in the nation’s recent history.

Here are some of the bill’s worst features:

• It bans overnight early voting hours and drive-thru voting. This measure was proven very popular among voters of color last year.
• It profoundly limits voting-by-mail
• It gives partisan poll watchers increased autonomy inside polling places by granting them free movement and set new rules — and criminal penalties — for voter assistance
• It makes it a state jail felony for local election officials to proactively distribute applications for mail-in ballots

Gov. Abbott signed the bill at an event in Tyler with the bill authors, State Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was also present.

Perhaps Abbott should place the same amount of energy on issues that affect all of Texas citizens instead of only on racist bills.