The U.S. Justice Department has sued the State of Texas over Senate Bill 1, which introduces new voting laws into their state, according to a press release.
In September, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1 into law, which enhanced criminal penalties for violating voting laws, eliminated 24-hour and drive-thru voting and increased access for partisan poll watchers, according to The Washington Post.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland claims the new voting law makes it difficult for Texans to fulfill their right to vote.
"Our democracy depends on the right of eligible voters to cast a ballot and to have that ballot counted," Garland said. "The Justice Department will continue to use all the authorities at its disposal to protect this fundamental pillar of our society."
The lawsuit contends that Senate Bill 1 violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The complaint also alleges that the new Texas voting law will "disenfranchise eligible voters — including older Americans and people with disabilities."
Additionally, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in Texas federal court, where private plaintiffs are challenging Senate Bill 1 saying it will lead to racially discriminatory voting practices, according to MSN News.
Abbott counters that the new legislation will "solidify trust and confidence in the outcome of our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat."
"The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting the fundamental right to vote for all Americans," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, according to the press release. "Laws that impair eligible citizens’ access to the ballot box have no place in our democracy. Texas Senate Bill 1’s restrictions on voter assistance at the polls and on which absentee ballots cast by eligible voters can be accepted by election officials are unlawful and indefensible."
