In a bid to uphold “election integrity,” Texas lawmakers have taken action by removing over 1 million individuals from its voter rolls since the passing of a comprehensive voter suppression law by Republican legislators three years ago. Governor Greg Abbot recently declared that the state has excluded voters who have moved out of Texas, are deceased, or are noncitizens.
Abbot emphasized that these removals are aimed at safeguarding the right to vote and combatting illegal voting. The process of removal is ongoing, with the Secretary of State and county voter registrars tasked with reviewing the voter rolls, eliminating ineligible voters, and referring any potential cases of illegal voting to the Attorney General’s Office and local authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
This effort is part of a broader set of voting restrictions established by the Texas Legislature following the 2020 presidential election. Abbot had previously stated that the law would make voting “easier yet harder to cheat” within the Lone Star State.
The highest number of voters removed from the rolls, amounting to over 463,000, were included on the “suspense list,” indicating that the county lacks information on the voter’s current address. Notably, among the 6,500 noncitizens removed from the voter rolls, around 1,930 have a “voter history,” prompting their records to be forwarded to the attorney general’s office for potential legal action. Additionally, a law signed by Abbot last year increased the penalty for illegal voting to a felony, impacting over 6,000 voters with felony convictions. Critics argue that this disproportionately affects voters of color and those with disabilities.
Every Vote Counts
Election officials stress the importance of verifying voter status due to the significance of every vote. Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University, advocates for voter participation by highlighting the impact of close election results and the necessity for fair elections.
Stein’s insights shed light on Abbot’s claims regarding the removal of ineligible voters from the Texas voter rolls due to newly implemented state laws. Addressing the dual aims of reinforcing voter confidence in fair elections and deterring illegal voting, Stein underscores the critical role of public perception in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Voter Turnout is Essential
Voter turnout remains a pivotal aspect for both political parties, where fair elections encourage public engagement. Stein emphasizes the need for voters to view elections as equitable processes to sustain participation and uphold democratic values.
As the deadline for voter registration approaches in November, individuals are advised to verify their registration status. Dallana Camargo from the League of Women Voters underscores the importance of checking voter registration, particularly for those who may have been removed due to inactivity or change of address.
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