New Legislation Allows Secretary of State to Overturn Elections

The Texas Senate has recently passed new legislation allowing the Texas Secretary of State to overturn elections in certain counties depending on their population and handling of ballots.

The bill, currently known as TX SB1993, is sponsored by five Texas legislators including State Senators Mayes Middleton, Paul Bettencourt, Charles Creighton, Joan Huffman and Lois Kolkhorst.

The bill has faced some controversy as many who are opposed to the bill view it as an attempt to overturn fair elections.

The statement reads, “[I]n a county with a population of 2.7 million or more, the secretary of state shall order a new election if the secretary has good cause to believe that at least two percent of the total number of polling places in the county: (1)  ran out of usable ballots during voting hours; and (2) did not receive supplemental ballots under Section 51.008 for one or more hours after making a request for supplemental ballots to the authority responsible for distributing election supplies.”

Texas lawmakers have been busy recently, with many calling for stronger gun legislation.

The state faced another mass shooting last week when a gunman shot and killed 5 people after being asked to turn his music down so their baby could sleep.

“If loosening gun laws actually made us safer, Texas would have one of the best records in the country on gun violence,” said Rep. Escobar.

The El Paso native emphasized the tragic loss of 5 people due to gun violence.

“Instead another 5 people are dead, including an 8-year-old, because Republicans refuse to take action.”

Rep. Escobar continued to point out how guns contribute to the danger present in the country.

“In this country so awash with firearms, you can’t go to grocery stores, church, schools, or even your neighbor’s house now without fear,” stated the Texas lawmaker.

She ended her statements with a clear indictment of what she sees as the cause of rising shootings.

“It’s the guns.”