In fact, studies consistently put Texas near the top of the list of states that make it harder to register and vote, which explains, in part, why the stakes are viewed as so high. He said he did not know if such a tactic was under consideration, though he added that such an “extraordinary” move to block the bills would have his support. Mr. O’Rourke was among hundreds who had traveled to Austin in the hope of testifying before the Senate or House committees holding hearings on the bills. Though retooled from the regular session, the voting bills in both houses resurrected most of the ingredients in the original legislation. The final version of a voter overhaul is likely to be crafted by a House-Senate negotiating committee.

Source: New York Times July 10, 2021 23:15 UTC