Texas Democrats

Below is a statement from Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie regarding the failure of HB 218, which was opposed by AARP, the League of Women Voters and other nonpartisan groups, and was part of a national Republican agenda designed to suppress the votes of selected groups of voters who typically vote Democratic. 

"Today, I am proud to say that the fundamental right to vote of all Texans was protected. The Voter ID bill, a Republican led voter suppression plan, finally died in the Texas Senate last night. This blatantly discriminatory piece of legislation would have trampled over the voting rights of millions of elderly, disabled, poor and minority Texans, who are less likely to carry photo ID-and more likely to vote Democratic. Texas voters can rest assured that their votes will be counted this next election.

The Republicans' shameful and desperate attempt to influence elections by suppressing voter turn out is a reflection of their failure as leaders.  Rather than build a record to attract the support of Texans, they have carried out the bidding of special interests and then attempted to hold power by undermining the ability of Texans to cast a ballot. Their false accusations of alleged "voter fraud" and underhanded attempts to sneak this bill through the process is disrespectful to the citizens of our great state. At a time when men and women are currently fighting a war to protect the same fundamental right to vote, Rick Perry, David Dewhurst, and Tom Craddick have shamefully attempted to undo those sacrifices.   

I applaud the Democratic Legislators in both Chambers who fought tirelessly to make certain that this piece of horrible legislation never became law. I particularly would like to thank State Senator Mario Gallegos, who literally risked his health and his life, in order to guarantee the right to vote for all Texans. His courage and perseverance, no matter what the cost, is commendable."

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