As the 89th Texas Legislative Session moves forward, proposed changes to state voting laws are drawing both attention and concern from those who work closely with voters and communities across Texas. A recent public forum hosted by Houston’s Ethnic Media, brought together four key figures in voting rights advocacy to explain the potential impact of these bills and answer questions from the community.
The panel included Emily French, Director of Policy at Common Cause Texas; Carl Blair, Senior Election Attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project; Jesús Zamora, Texas Field Director for Mi Familia en Acción; and Katie Campbell Shumway, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Houston.
Among the proposals discussed, Senate Bill 16 stands out. The legislation would require individuals registering to vote or updating their voter information to present documentary proof of citizenship. Emily French questioned the necessity of the bill, noting a lack of evidence that non-citizens are casting ballots in significant numbers. She pointed to potential complications for recently naturalized citizens and married women who change their names. French shared a personal example, illustrating how the law could require multiple in-person visits with documentation many may not have readily available.
Another area of focus was the proposed rollback of countywide voting on Election Day, which currently allows voters in certain counties to cast ballots at any polling place, not just their assigned precinct. Carl Blair noted that the system has support across party lines and has been particularly effective in easing access in large counties. He warned that ending countywide voting could strain resources and increase confusion among voters, particularly in urban centers like Houston.
Katie Campbell Shumway addressed the administrative challenges faced by naturalized citizens and individuals who have recently changed their names. She explained how different government systems—such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—often do not share information, placing the burden of coordination on the individual. Shumway also highlighted how identification mismatches can prevent women, especially those who have changed their names due to marriage, from registering to vote if they lack certain documents.
Fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities were also discussed. Jesús Zamora described how shifts in voting policies and broader concerns about surveillance have led some residents to withdraw from civic life altogether. According to Zamora, families have expressed fears about attending school events, going to work, or even participating in neighborhood gatherings. In response, his organization has focused on grassroots education efforts, including door-to-door outreach in communities such as Alief, Aldine, and Spring Branch, to help residents understand their rights and encourage participation.
While the legislative process continues, the panelists emphasized several actions that community members can take. These include regularly contacting state representatives about voting legislation, visiting local legislative offices, educating others through voter guides or community discussions, and supporting voter registration efforts while existing programs remain in place.
The proposed legislation and the conversation surrounding it reflect ongoing debates about access to the ballot box and the structure of the electoral system in Texas. As the session unfolds, these discussions are expected to continue both in the Capitol and in communities across the state.
