Texas Democrats stage dramatic walk out before midnight to block state GOP's new voting bill which Republicans call 'comprehensive and sensible': Gov. Abbott says he will call special session
Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives boycotted a legislative session late Sunday, blocking a vote on an election reform bill
Critics had said the bill would make it harder for blacks and Hispanics to vote
But Republicans said the measures were 'comprehensive and sensible'
With just over an hour before a midnight deadline to pass the measure, Democrats had walked out to deny the House a quorum for a vote
A vote on the measure was certain to pass in the Republican-dominated house
Supporters of the legislation said it is needed to bolster election security
Democrats and civil rights groups argue that such legislation disproportionately burdens or discourages voters of color, as well as the elderly and disabled
There were no substantial allegations of fraud in Texas in last year's election
By Associated Press
Published: 07:56 EDT, 30 May 2021 | Updated: 08:07 EDT, 31 May 2021
A voting bill in Texas that was on the verge of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's desk failed to pass Sunday night after Democrats walked out of the House chamber before a midnight deadline.
The bill known as Senate Bill 7 would have imposed a raft of changes that Republicans in the state see as a sensible approach to securing election integrity.
It would eliminate drive-thru voting, empower partisan poll watchers and impose new requirements in order to cast a ballot by mail in Texas.
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9634209/Texas-GOPs-new-voting-restrictions-verge-approval.html