ToplineThe 53-year old Texas state senator Carol Alvarado (D), spoke almost continuously from Wednesday at 5:50 p.m. CST to Thursday morning around 9 a.m., not taking a break to go to the toilet or drink water as she tried to stop a GOP bill that would have imposed voting restrictions in Texas.After attending the Senate Democrats policy luncheon at the Capitol in Washington, June 15, 2021, Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado (D), talks to... [+] journalists. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesThe Key FactsAlvarado used the filibuster to block a vote on Senate Bill 1, which wouldn't have allowed her to sit down or lean against her desk. The bill proposes new restrictions on Texas voting, including a limit on the number of drop boxes in the state and making it more difficult to vote by mail. Alvarado took over two hours of questioning from another Democratic senator to fill the time.Surprising FactAlvarado accepted the filibuster even though he knew it was symbolic. The bill is likely to pass the Senate before failing the state House, which doesn't have a quorum since many Democratic legislators fled to Washington, D.C. to prevent the legislation from passing.Important BackgroundSenate Bill 1 is the main reason Gov. Greg Abbott (R), has called two special sessions to the legislature. He has pledged to keep them seated until the bill passes. After 57 Democrats fled Washington in July, the first two special sessions were held up by a shortage of quorum in state House. But Democrats are slowly coming back to the state and 52 arrest warrants for Democrats who have not returned to the capitol have been issued. They may be forced to give the quorum required for Republicans to pass this bill. The Texas Tribune was told by Eddie Lucio, a state representative and Democrat, that he thinks the House could reach a quorum as soon as this week.TangentAlvarado's filibuster brought back memories of Wendy Davis (D), a Texas state senator who fought for 13 hours against a bill that would have limited abortion rights in Texas. Although the bill passed, Davis was elevated to prominence by her filibuster. In 2014, she was elected Democratic nominee for governor. However, she lost to Abbott in the general election and received only 39%.Continue readingTexas Voting Restrictions: Texas Senator To Filibuster Legislation as 52 House Democrats Are Arrested For Blocking Bill (Forbes).Texas Senator Carol Alvarado's filibuster against the GOP election bill is over after fifteen hours (The Texas Tribune).Another special session was held to pass a GOP voter bill. It started without a majority. It is unclear whether Democrats will remain away this time. (The Texas Tribune).
