Texas Democrats have such an opposition to securing election integrity that they staged a mass walkout to prevent a vote on election reform. The “Election Integrity Initiative” would overhaul Texas’ voting laws, requiring ID to vote by mail, and making it a crime to send absentee ballots to citizens who had not requested one.
“Members, take your key and leave the chamber discreetly,” representative Chris Turner said in a text message. Turner is the Democratic caucus chair of the house. He used his influence and authority to delay the states legislative system. “Do not go to the gallery. Leave the building.” The representative said.
This walkout prevented the Texas House of Representatives from having the minimum required amount of legislators present to vote on the law. The session was adjourned around 11pm by House Speaker Dade Phelan.
Democrats claim that very few non-citizens attempt to vote in elections, but also refuse to allow voter ID laws to be put in place. If voter fraud was as minuscule as they claimed it’s unlikely that they would fight against secure elections.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted “I declared Election Integrity and Bail Reform to be must-pass emergency items for this legislative session. It is deeply disappointing and concerning for Texans that neither will reach my desk,”
This temper tantrum may have delayed the effort, but will likely be futile after the governor calls an emergency session in order to make sure a vote takes place.
This walkout was blatant unprofessionalism. The rules of legislation are clear. When one side is outnumbered it is still their duty to carry on with their job, rather than abandon it.
Democrats claim that this bill would take the right to vote from constituents. In reality, it would not. It would require them to be a Texas citizen, and request an absentee ballot if eligible.