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Gov. Abbott Adding Obstacles for Elderly and Disabled Voters

LWV-Texas | Published on 10/3/2020

Take action today on Governor Abbott's last minute proclamation to suppress the vote in Texas. We must all let him know we object to his proclamation to reduce mail in ballot drop-off locations to one per county. He is adding a further obstacle to thousands of Texans who want to exercise their right to vote safely. We are asking the Governor to uphold the democratic values that our country was founded on.
 
The most at-risk populations of the sick, elderly, and disabled will bear the brunt of this injustice. Communities of color will disproportionally be targeted by this change. A single drop off location is unacceptable and disregards any consideration for geographic size or population. It’s unfair to Texas voters to limit counties, like Harris County, home to 4.7 million residents, to a single drop off location. (Harris County's population is larger than Rhode Island's, Montana's and Maine's populations combined!)
 
What can you do? You can call and email Governor Abbott and tell him to put the safety of all Texans first!
 
Key messages to share with Gov. Abbott:
 
  • Please put voters' safety first!
  • Revoke the proclamation limiting vote by mail ballot drop-off locations in the largest counties in Texas!
  • Allow these counties to have multiple drop-off locations so vulnerable voters with disabilities and those 65 and over have a convenient, safe and secure site to drop off their ballots.
 
The Governor's Office contact numbers are:
 
  • (800) 843-5789 - Information and Referral Hotline (for Texas callers)
  • (512) 463-1782 - Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline (for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers)
  • (512) 463-2000 - Office of the Governor Main Switchboard (office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST)
  • Call 711 for Relay Texas - Citizen's Assistance Telecommunications Device, if you are using a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD)
 
Email Governor Abbott at https://gov.texas.gov/contact
 
Gov. Abbott's action to limit ballot drop-off locations has attracted national attention! The Texas League has joined with LULAC in a lawsuit against this action by the Governor. We sent a press release out this morning.
 
Now it is time for you to take action! Make your voice, your disappointment, and your anger heard! Join with your friends, family, and community and tell Governor Abbott: No, I will not have you take away the rights of voters with disabilities and those 65 and older in this election!
 
Thank you so much for standing with the League to Empower Voters and Defend Democracy!