Senate Approves Bill to End Straight-ticket Voting

AUSTIN — The Texas Senate tentatively approved a bill Wednesday that would end straight-ticket voting and that Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates say discriminates against minorities.House Bill 25, authored by Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, was approved by the Senate on a 20-10 party-line vote. The bill still needs a final vote from the Senate to clear the chamber, which will likely happen Thursday. Before the bill can be sent to the governor for signing, the House needs to concur with the Senate pushing back the law three years, to September 2020.   Continue reading...