Texas Voting Rights Under Threat

In Texas, a wave of proposed voting restrictions could create significant barriers for naturalized citizens, married women, and marginalized communities—raising alarms among voting rights advocates. From proof-of-citizenship requirements to the potential elimination of countywide voting, these measures threaten to disenfranchise thousands while doing little to address actual election security concerns.

SB 16: A Solution in Search of a Problem

Emily French, a voting rights advocate, broke down Senate Bill 16, which would require Texans to present documentary proof of citizenship—such as a passport or naturalization papers—when registering to vote or updating their information.

“This is a solution in search of a problem,” French said. “There’s no evidence that non-citizens are voting in any significant numbers.”

The bill could disproportionately impact recently naturalized citizens and married women, who often change their names. If passed, those without immediate access to updated documents could be downgraded to a “limited ballot,” excluding them from key local races.

“If this law had been in effect when I got married,” French explained, “I would’ve had to go in person twice—once to change my name, and again to change my address—both with proof of citizenship.”

The Push to End Countywide Voting

Carl Blair, an elections policy expert, warned about efforts to eliminate countywide polling, a system that allows voters in about 90 Texas counties to cast ballots at any polling location on Election Day.

“There’s bipartisan support for countywide voting—yet there’s still a push to abolish it and force people back to precinct-only voting,” Blair said.

Rolling back this option would create logistical chaos, especially in high-population areas like Harris County, where voters rely on flexibility to cast their ballots.

Bureaucratic Hurdles for Naturalized Citizens & Married Women

Katie Shumway, an immigration and voting rights advocate, highlighted how disjointed government systems create unnecessary obstacles.

“The Social Security Administration, DPS, USCIS, and voter registrars don’t talk to each other,” Shumway said. “When someone becomes a citizen, they have to update every system themselves.”

Married women face additional challenges—86% change their last names, but if their ID doesn’t match their birth certificate, they could be locked out of voting altogether.

Fear and Misinformation Silencing Immigrant Voices

Jesús Zamora of Mi Familia en Acción described how fear of government surveillance has deterred immigrant communities from civic engagement.

“We’ve seen parents afraid to send their kids to school or go to work,” Zamora said. “People are even avoiding community events.”

His organization is fighting back with door-to-door “Know Your Rights” campaigns in underserved areas like Alief, Aldine, and Spring Branch.

How You Can Fight Back

Advocates urge Texans to take action:

• Call your state representative weekly—persistent pressure works.
• Show up at local legislative offices—even if you can’t go to Austin.
• Educate others—share voter guides, host discussions, or organize info sessions.
• Register voters—deputy volunteer programs are still active for now.

“One call isn’t enough,” said Katie Shumway. “Set a calendar reminder—Friday at lunch—and call every week. They track every contact.”

The Takeaway

Texas stands at a crossroads. Will it expand access to democracy or erect new barriers? The answer may depend on how loudly communities push back.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Your vote—and your voice—matter.

What’s Next?
Follow GlobalSoul for updates on voting rights battles nationwide. Share this story to spread awareness—because democracy works best when everyone can participate.

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