Texas State Senator Begins Filibuster Against GOP’s Restrictive Voting Bill

Democrat Carol Alvarado planned to speak into the night amid efforts by Republicans to hinder voting access.

Texas state Sen. Carol Alvarado (D) began a filibuster Wednesday night against Republican plans to pass one of the most restrictive voting bills in the country, speaking into the night as Democratic lawmakers use every legislative tool in their belt to protest what they’ve criticized as an unprecedented assault on the ballot box. The move will likely only delay the bill’s passage, but Alvarado’s filibuster will draw increased attention to legislation she said would “slowly but surely [chip] away at our Democracy.” The Texas Senate, controlled by Republicans, gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 1 on Wednesday night, which would bring in a host of restrictive measures. They include prohibitions on 24-hour and drive-through voting and new limits on the use of mail-in ballots. It would also give partisan poll watchers more authority during elections.  “It adds rather than removes barriers for Texas seniors, persons with disabilities, African American, Asian and Latino voters,” Alvarado, who represents a portion of the Houston area, said of the bill as she began speaking Wednesday night. She added that President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan, “said the Voting Rights Act struck away the last major shackle of the fierce and ancient bond of slavery. Senate Bill 1 is a regressive step back in the direction of that dark and painful history.”