Voting is a sacred right and among the most important hallmarks of our democracy. In Harris County, the State of Texas, and the nation, we have seen these fundamental rights stripped away from people.

I stand with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Joaquin Castro in their fight to protect access to voting nationally and in Harris County.

Our conservative state leaders have directly targeted our constitutional right to vote - essential for a functioning democracy. Texas Senate Bill 1 has added even more burdens for our citizens to overcome and infused chaos into the upcoming March 1 primary.

As the pandemic surges on, over 15% of Harris County residents who qualify and need to vote by mail have had their applications rejected due to confusion caused by SB1. I welcome relief from the U.S. Department of Justice to prevent these applications from being disqualified for minor discrepancies.

History will be on the side of those who work to make voting accessible, free, fair and safe for all voters.