Texas voting rights groups reduce voter outreach over SB1 criminal penalties

Who's involved

• Texas Legislature (GOP-dominated)Passed SB1 in 2021
• Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General; Republican; running for U.S. Senate
• La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)Voting rights group in Rio Grande Valley; reduced outreach
• Eustorgia Santos de TorresVoter seeking help with husband's mail ballot

The facts

• SB1 passed by Texas Legislature in 2021 made it illegal to receive compensation for helping voters fill in ballots.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• SB1 criminalized past practices such as organizations giving volunteers gas money or stipends.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• SB1 violations are a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, investigated and prosecuted voting rights advocacy groups in heavily Latino communities.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• LUPE used to send workers walking door-to-door but now has volunteers do more limited versions of outreach work.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• LUPE turned away a voter and her blind husband who sought help with his mail ballot in September 2026.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Voting rights groups such as LUPE Forced to alter or stop voter outreach due to worry about violating SB1.^{1 2 3}
• Eustorgia Santos de Torres Mail ballot information is only in English with small letters, and she needed help.^{1 2 3}