Austin, TX – Jolt Action celebrates a significant victory for democracy with the failure of Senate Bill 16 (SB 16). This dangerous proposal would have required unnecessary proof of citizenship to register to vote, disenfranchising millions of Texans, particularly Latinos, young people, naturalized citizens, and working-class families.

“This is a triumph for Texans and democracy,” said Jackie Bastard, Jolt Action’s Executive Director. “SB 16 was rooted in fear, exclusion, and false narratives, but today, the voices of Texans who believe in an inclusive democracy have prevailed. This is a testament to the power of advocacy and the resilience of our communities.”

Why SB 16’s Failure Matters

• Protects Voter Rights: Had SB 16 passed, over 1.3 million Texans would have been at risk of losing their right to vote due to lack of access to required proof of citizenship documents.
• Saves Vital Resources: Election offices, which are already under strain, would have faced immense pressure to manage burdensome new verification processes.
• Rejects Fear-Based Legislation: SB 16 falsely perpetuated myths about noncitizen voting, which is a rare occurrence (less than 1%).

Jolt Action commends our supporters and partner organizations who spoke out tirelessly against SB 16, ensuring that democracy and fairness prevailed. This victory serves as a reminder that democracy thrives when everyone has a seat at the table.

Though SB 16 has been defeated, the fight for a truly inclusive democracy continues. Jolt Action remains committed to combating voter suppression, empowering Latinos to raise their voices, and ensuring a brighter future for all Texans.

Learn more about Jolt’s work to protect democracy and encourage civic engagement at jolttx.org

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CONTACT: Victoria Godinez, Marketing & Communications Director, media@jolttx.org, 817-333-4392

ABOUT JOLT ACTION: Jolt Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Latino civic participation in Texas. Through advocacy, voter engagement, and leadership development, Jolt empowers Latinos to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.