Republican lawmakers in Texas sent a bill to Gov. Greg Abbott after overcoming months of hurdles by Democrats trying to kill the legislation, even through a July exit that made that many would leave the state for Washington, DC
The bill, which Republicans say is a way to improve electoral security, would toughen statewide voting procedures. Democrats say it would restrict access to the polls, especially for minorities.
Governor Abbott supports the measure and said Tuesday he hopes to be able to sign it into law.
The battle for the bill is part of a national debate over voting rules after President Biden’s election, which former President Donald Trump and some of his supporters claim were illegitimate, although no court has found evidence of widespread fraud in voters.
In recent months, states such as Florida and Georgia have passed Republican-led measures that put more restrictions on certain types of voting, prompting a push from U.S. civil rights groups, businesses and Democrats.