This week, the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s ruling that had blocked a number of provisions in Senate Bill 1, the sweeping voter suppression bill that Texas legislators passed in 2021. Texas Impact is a plaintiff in the case, after vigorously opposing SB 1.
In overturning the lower court’s decision, Judge Andrew Oldham began his opinion with a sweeping generalization, writing:
It has long been established that mail-in ballots are prone to fraud. That is why voting by mail jeopardizes election integrity and democracy itself.
In fact, it has long been established that voting by mail is subject to very little fraud, and has significant benefits for voters of all kinds—but it is true that some individuals harbor unfounded fears that mail ballots could be subject to fraud.
On the other hand, many individuals suffer real fears, based on lived experience, that they will face intimidation or disenfranchisement due to the provisions of SB 1. These fears, Judge Oldham dismissed as “speculative.”
In response to the Fifth Circuit’s decision, Texas Impact issued a statement, saying:
In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed one of its most anti-democratic election laws. We made clear then and reaffirm now that this law severely restricts Texans’ voting rights. With the overturning of the lower court’s ruling related to mail ballots and other voter assistance, Texas voters will face disenfranchisement.
As we say in our statement, Texas faith communities are part of the bedrock of our state, and it’s our responsibility to amplify the voices of Texans of faith to protect voting rights in our communities. We are disappointed in the Court’s decision, but in no way discouraged or disempowered.
Adelante.
