Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law Tuesday placing new restrictions on voting.
The signing into law of Senate Bill 1 adds new restrictions to early voting and new identification requirements, which critics say will disproportionately impact voters of color.
The measure could also make it more difficult for people with disabilities to vote, the Washington Post notes, by creating penalties for people who assist with filling out a ballot.
The New York Times reports that It requires large Texas counties, that tend to lean Democratic, to Livestream ballot counting.
Texas is one of several Republican-leaning states that have pushed for new voting restrictions after former President Donald Trump espoused baseless voter fraud allegations in the 2020 election.
“Senate Bill 1 ensures trust and confidence in our elections system — and most importantly, it makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. “Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state, and I thank Senator Hughes and Representative Murr for their leadership on this important issue. I am proud to sign Senate Bill 1 into law to uphold the integrity of our elections in Texas.”
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