The Biden administration is suing Texas over its new voting law

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People opposed to Texas Republicans’ effort to pass new voting restrictions gather at the state capitol in Austin on July 10.

Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images

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Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images

Politics
Here’s What’s In Texas Republicans’ New Voting Law

Politics
Map: See Which States Have Restricted Voter Access, And Which States Have Expanded It

State Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on Twitter: «[President] Biden is coming after Texas for SB1, our recently enacted election integrity law. It’s a great and a much-needed bill. Ensuring Texas has safe, secure, and transparent elections is a top priority of mine. I will see you in court, Biden!»

In particular, the DOJ raised concerns about provisions of the Texas law that add new rules and restrictions around what kinds of assistance voters with disabilities can receive at the polls.

The Biden administration also is challenging the changes state lawmakers made to mail-in voting. Federal officials claim new identification requirements could disenfranchise eligible voters.

«By requiring rejection of mail ballot materials that do not contain identification numbers that identify the same voter identified on the voter’s application for voter registration,» the lawsuit says, «SB 1 mandates rejection of written materials requisite to voting based on errors or omissions that are not material to determining a voter’s qualification to vote or vote by mail.»

Politics
In Suing Georgia, Justice Department Says State’s New Voting Law Targets Black Voters

In June, the Biden Justice Department sued Georgia for its new voting law, alleging it targets Black voters.

In their lawsuit against Texas, DOJ officials also raise concerns about the state’s long history of passing laws that discriminate against vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities and people of color.

«The State of Texas’s history of official voting-related discrimination against its disfavored citizens is longstanding and well-documented,» officials wrote. «Federal intervention has been necessary to eliminate numerous devices intentionally used to restrict minority voting in Texas.»