Allegations of voter suppression have run rampant across the country in recent weeks. Most notably, voters in the state of Georgia have complained after over 100,000 people were removed from voting rolls across the state. This week, there is another case of alleged voter suppression in the headlines.
Students at Texas State University have complained about voter suppression after the local GOP President put forth an effort to keep the university’s polling station closed. In response, students of the university have asked for extended voting times. However, it doesn’t appear that their wishes will be granted. Recently, North Hays GOP President, Wally Kinney, sent an email to local groups asking them to contact commissioners and ask them not to extend voting times. According to reports, the email stated that extended voting times “probably means that it is going to favor the Democrats, so maybe I should not be in favor of this.” When asked about the recent concerns from students, Kinney said, “We have a process and we need to stick with the rules.” He also responded to claims of voter suppression by saying, “To say that’s voter suppression is ridiculous.” However, students at Texas State University feel differently about the matter.
Over the past week, students have been reaching out local news affiliates to express their concerns. Based on student accounts, the NBC affiliate in the area expressed that there were hundred of students who turned out and many were not able to vote because of long wait times. When Texas State University student, Justin Wright, noticed that the line was too long, he came to the conclusion that he was not going to be able to vote in time. Wright said, “I saw it and realized what was going to happen and said I have so much work to do.”
For the time being, the polling location in question will remain closed until further notice. It is unclear if public pressure will lead the polling station to be reopened.
