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In a recent e-mail, former State Representative and community leader Glen Maxey shares an alarming experience during the Austin Chronicle endorsement meeting.
Nelda Wells Spears, the current Tax Assessor Collector and director of voter registration, was asked why she didn't go to the Capitol to speak against the Republican voter suppression bills. Her answer is stunning.
Ms. Spears response was shocking. She said she thought requiring ID and proof of citizenship when registering to vote was a great idea and something we needed.
This is a follow up from January 10th when Spears said at the Capitol Area Democratic Women's forum, "People have to check that box that says they're a citizen. We have a lot of people from other countries. We need something, some way... to make sure they're all citizens when they register to vote."
Two days earlier, a non-partisan, independent study showed that voter ID bills suppressed legal voting.
After watching the debate around HB 218 and 626 unfold during the 80th legislature, I can say that the Craddick, Abbott, and Dewhurst lead charge to suppress minority voters is not the answer. It is troubling to hear a Democratic candidate echo the Republican talking points. |
