1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am furious about this so-called “permission slip” stunt and the harassment of Democratic legislators by DPS. None of them should be tracked, followed, or threatened for doing their jobs and representing their constituents. It is intimidation, plain and simple. Nicole Collier showed integrity by refusing to sign, and she is right to resist this nonsense. The rest should have joined her and slept on the floor to make a bigger stand. Instead, DPS is tailing lawmakers like criminals, even threatening one with arrest just because a trooper lost track of her during her usual walk. That is absurd. Meanwhile, this mid-decade redistricting is a transparent attempt to silence the voices of Texans, especially minority voters. Texas gained two House seats because of minority population growth, and yet these maps dilute their power. Republicans are in court arguing the old maps are fine while at the same time claiming they “must” redraw them. Which is it? The Texas Constitution does allow you to compel attendance, but it also protects the right to break quorum. Democrats walked out to protect their constituents. You don’t get to rewrite the rules just to maintain power. Stop this sham redistricting process and stop the harassment of lawmakers who are trying to represent Texans.