The NPR Politics Podcast Battles In Texas, Arizona Are Just The Beginning Of The Fight Over Voting Rights
Jun 2, 2021
Ashley Lopez, a reporter for KUT in Austin, dives deep into the tensions surrounding Texas' contentious voting legislation. She discusses how Democrats are blocking Republican efforts that many view as voter suppression tactics. The conversation highlights the ongoing battles in Arizona over election audits and their chilling effects on public trust. Lopez also emphasizes the national trend of restricted voter access and the implications of such moves on marginalized communities. It's a pivotal moment in the fight for voting rights.
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Texas Voting Bill Drama
- Texas Democrats blocked Republican voting changes.
- These changes were purportedly aimed at increasing election confidence but are seen as voter suppression.
Content of the Texas Bill
- The Texas voting bill targeted pandemic-era voting innovations like 24-hour and drive-through voting.
- It also introduced new criminal penalties for voters and officials.
National Trend of Restrictive Voting Bills
- The Texas voting bill is part of a larger national trend of restrictive voting legislation.
- The Brennan Center tracks hundreds of such bills introduced across the country.