Congresswoman Garcia Leads Entire Texas Democratic Delegation in Urging Governor Abbott and Secretary of State Hughs to Implement Statewide No-Excuse Vote-by-Mail Program

HOUSTON, TX - Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) led an effort with the entire Texas Democratic delegation urging Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Ruth Hughs to implement a no-excuse vote-by-mail program for all elections in the state of Texas until the end of this year. The letter also calls for preserving in-person voting opportunities for those who need them, as long as in-person voting sites are structured in a way that will allow them to respond to any public health concerns. In the middle of this public health crisis, it is more important than ever that important pillars of our democracy are strengthened and that everyone in the state of Texas is able to exercise their right to vote.

"Currently, many Texas are unable to vote-by-mail due to strict eligibility guidelines and varying laws across different municipalities, which causes confusion among the electorate and reduces voter turnout. This is particularly true as we continue to navigate the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus outbreak," said the members. "In an effort to keep Texans safe and our democracy going, we urge Governor Abbott and Secretary of State Hughs to implement a statewide no-excuse vote-by-mail program that will let all Texans make their voices heard in the electoral process, without risking exposure to coronavirus in large crowds and long lines," concluded the members.

Members who joined Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia:Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, Congressman Colin Allred, Congressman Al Green, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congressman Marc Veasey, and Congressman Filemon Vela.

Click here for the final letter to Governor Abbott and Secretary of State Hughs.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.