Austin News

Today, nine nonpartisan voting rights organizations addressed a letter to the Texas House Republican and Democratic Caucuses. The groups are urging members of the Texas House of Representatives to prioritize voters in their selection of a Speaker for the upcoming 89th Legislative Session.

The organizations involved include ACLU of Texas, Clean Elections Texas, Common Cause Texas, Every Texan, Houston Area Urban League, League of Women Voters of Texas, Progress Texas Institute, Texas Civil Rights Project, Vote Riders, and Legal Defense Fund.

Emily Eby French from Common Cause Texas commented on the matter: "The Speaker of the House is one of the most powerful positions in the state."

She further emphasized that a qualified Speaker should protect voting rights for all eligible Texans. "Texas voter turnout was down in both solid red counties and big blue counties. Increasing voter access should be a bipartisan goal," she stated. French also highlighted that whoever assumes the role will have significant influence over laws affecting voter access.

French continued by stating that representatives should seek a Speaker who opposes legislation creating new voting barriers while safeguarding existing programs like High School Voter Registration and Countywide Polling. She added that an ideal candidate would implement reforms such as Online Voter Registration to modernize voter engagement.

"We’re asking our representatives to select a candidate who will serve the Texas voters who elected them," French concluded. "Common Cause Texas believes that all Texans, regardless of their party affiliation, will benefit from greater access to the ballot box."

A full copy of this letter is available for public viewing.