Reject the dangerous expansion of poll watcher powers default-share

Reject the dangerous expansion of poll watcher powers

In this deeply offensive video, we hear the presenter call for volunteer poll watchers who will have the "courage" to go from the predominantly Anglo Harris County suburbs to the Black and Brown communities in the urban core.

This is precisely the kind of inflammatory dog-whistle language that led to the insurrection at the Capitol.

It's plainly discriminatory to suggest someone needs "courage" to volunteer to stand inside a poll site in any part of town. Beyond the racial dog-whistle language, one has to question what it is they would be expected to do that would require "courage."

But while on the subject of courage, one thing that required genuine courage was for Speaker Phelan to take a stand against many in his party after the Capitol insurrection:

Evan Smith: Do you believe the election was stolen?
Speaker Dade Phelan: "The public voted. The votes were tallied. The votes were verified. There were lawsuits in state court. There are lawsuits in federal court. And the process worked its way through the system and we are where we are. The President himself said it’s now time for a peaceful transfer of power."

Speaker Phelan rightly rejected the dangerous conspiracy theories about a stolen election back then, and we're calling on him to do the same now.

What we see in this video is the exact same dangerous rhetoric as we heard back then, still being used to rile up a crowd and aim them at a target, but this time the target is Black and Brown communities in Houston.

And if SB 7 and HB 6 are allowed to become law as written, the poll watchers described in this video will have increased powers to intimidate and videotape voters, disrupt voting, and all with the knowledge that the election workers will be nearly powerless to kick them out of the poll site.

SB 7 has been voted out of state senate, and HB 6 has been voted out of the house elections committee. Both are headed to the House floor -- unless Speaker Phelan takes a stand.

Speaker Phelan once said the insurrectionist attack on our Capitol is something that "should never happen again."

He now has the power to make sure we never see a similar thing happen at Texas poll sites.

Sponsored by

Take Action

17 Letters Sent
Only 983 more until our goal of 1,000
  • Not in US? United States Loading
  • Other Ways To Give

    There are many ways to support Common Cause's mission to hold power accountable. If you have questions or do not see your preferred method of giving listed please contact Membership Services at (202) 736-5791 or giving@commoncause.org and we'll be happy to discuss your options for making a contribution.

    Monthly Giving

    Join the Guardians for Democracy by making a recurring monthly contribution and help provide a steady and reliable income stream to support Common Cause's work in Washington and across the nation.

    Tax-Deductible Giving

    Gifts that qualifies for a charitable tax-deduction can be made to our affiliate Common Cause Education Fund, which supports our efforts to hold power accountable through civic engagement and public education.

    Planned Giving

    Help guarantee the promise of democracy for the next generation by leaving an estate gift, such as a bequest, IRA distribution, or other planned gift.

    Gifts of Stock

    Gifts of stock and securities can be made to Common Cause and our affiliate Common Cause Education Fund through Wells Fargo. For details click here.

    Memorial/Tribute Gifts

    To honor someone through a memorial or tribute gift please contact Vernell Grissom in Membership Services at (202) 736-5791.

    Leadership Circle

    The Leadership Circle is an extraordinary group of our most steadfast supporters, who leave their own personal stamp on the nation's future by providing Common Cause with the resources needed in order to make sure our political system works for all Americans -- join us today!