What’s in the restrictive ballot bills pushed by Texas GOP lawmakers?

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Even though some controversial provisions of previous legislation have been scrapped, either bill would still bring a slew of new voting restrictions to Lone Star State.

Protection of observers of partisan polls. Partisan poll watchers would be given new protection and new access to Texas. This includes having “the right to sit or stand close enough to see and hear the activity”. Indeed, the bill makes it illegal to obstruct or create distance for poll observers in any way, while also giving poll observers more legal remedies against election officials.

For months, voting rights activists have sounded the alarm bells about empowering poll watchers and expanding voter challenges, saying this could lead to voter intimidation.

Restrictions on postal ballots. The identification requirements for mail-in ballots would include the requirement for the last four digits of a social security number or driver’s license number on all mail-in ballot applications and return ballot envelopes to vote.

Prohibition to vote while driving. Each polling station in Texas would be “located inside a building” and “No voter may vote from inside a motor vehicle” unless they meet specific requirements.

Early voting hours. Early voting would be banned in polling stations statewide “before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.”

Tracking software. Election officials in large counties would be required to monitor “all entry and activity” on voting machines through tracking software.

Video recording and live broadcast protocol. Election officials in large counties would be required to set up video surveillance systems, with live broadcasts made available to some counties.

Assistance restrictions. Anyone who “simultaneously assists three or more voters” will need to complete a form detailing their relationship with voters and whether they are paid by a campaign or political committee.

What is in House Bill 3?

While HB3 contains many of the same layouts as SB1, it differs in a few key ways.

More protection for poll observers. The House version offers even more protection to poll watchers, demanding that they receive a warning about behavior that violates election law before it can be removed.

More severe punishment for the application of an unsolicited ballot. The House version would make it a state crime for election officials to distribute unsolicited postal ballot requests.

Early voting hours. The House bill provides for early voting hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Can Democrats Really Block Either Legislation?

As their trip to Washington put Texas at the heart of the national struggle for voting rights, the Texas Democrats have recognized that they can only push back Republicans’ pressure for new election laws for so long.

That’s because after the current special session ends on August 7, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will likely call another special session in which GOP lawmakers can push their legislation forward.

Meanwhile, Democratic state lawmakers have met with members of Congress and urged them to pass federal voting rights legislation.

“We are actually passing the baton to our colleagues in the Senate, our members of the Senate, to finish this race,” Texas State Representative Nicole Collier told reporters on Wednesday.

But the legislative reality remains: There is currently no Republican support in the US Senate for voting rights legislation, and Democrats lack the voices to overcome the filibuster. Last month, Republicans succeeded in blocking the For the People Act, rallying to vote against opening debate on the bill.

CNN’s Dianne Gallagher and Eric Bradner contributed to this report.

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