Testimony for SB1
Speaking in front of the House Select Committee
Public testimony on Senate Bill 1 for the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights & Remedies on August 23, 2021
Thank you, Chairman Ashby and members of the committee.
My name is Josh Goldenberg and I live in Austin, Texas.
I oppose SB1 because of the negative impacts it will create to marginalized voters; including but not limited to people of color and people with disabilities.
Currently, local governments can add additional voting options for their residents. For example, as many of you know, in the 2020 election, Harris County offered alternative voting options for its residents including 24 hour voting and drive through voting. Both of these were very secure, and successful at reaching voters, who otherwise might not have voted.
If SB1 passes, it would outlaw local efforts like this, among other things. In almost no way does that help protect the integrity of our elections. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud anywhere in Texas. We can protect the integrity of our elections by encouraging people to vote. Most importantly there are ways to do this without compromising the security of our elections. I have three ideas:
requiring equitable polling locations so that all Texans can quickly and seamlessly cast their ballot,
sending all eligible Texans a voter registration application when they turn 18, and
making election day a state holiday.
I hope you consider the testimony of me and everyone else that testifies today.
Thank you.
