Texas law restricts, among other things, the ability to vote by mail and to assist someone in casting the vote. It also puts an end to drive-in voting and 24-hour polling stations. Prior to last year’s presidential election, these two innovations were implemented in the Houston metropolitan area, which is home to many people of color. The measures would have been partly responsible for the record turnout in the area.
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“Our democracy depends on the right of voters to cast their vote and make that vote count,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “The parts we are challenging are sidelining Texas citizens who want to exercise their right to vote.”
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Other Republican-controlled states, including Florida and Georgia, passed similar legislation this year to Texas. Republicans repeatedly refer to former President Donald Trump’s claim that voter fraud cost him last November’s election.
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