AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – Governor Gregg Abbott signed a bill into law on Thursday that would eliminate straight-ticket voting in in 2020.
The bill was authored by Republican Representative Ron Simmons of Carrollton.
Straight-ticket voting gives a person the option to check one box to cast a ballot for each candidate from a single political party.
According to the Texas Tribune, in the 2016 general election, straight-ticket voting accounted for 64 percent of total votes cast in Texas’ 10 largest counties.
Abbot’s decision to end the option is being met with mixed criticism.
Supporters said it will force voters to make more informed decisions on down-ballot candidates.
Critics argue the measure will disproportionately impact minority voters.
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