# Voting rights groups cut voter help in Texas

> Texas voting groups stop helping vulnerable voters after new law fears criminal penalties.
- Title: Voting rights groups cut voter help in Texas · Salon
- Summary: Texas voting groups stop helping vulnerable voters after new law fears criminal penalties.
- Keywords: texas, voting rights groups, sb1, voter assistance, non-english speakers, disabled voters, mail ballots, election law, rio grande valley, lupe, tania chavez camacho, nemorio torres
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/31/voting-rights-groups-afraid-of-criminal-penalties-cut-back-on-help-for-texas-most-vulnerable
- Author: Natalia Contreras
- Published: 2026-10-31T10:00:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: texas, voting rights groups, sb1, voter assistance, non-english speakers, disabled voters, mail ballots, election law, rio grande valley, lupe, tania chavez camacho, nemorio torres
## Voting rights groups cut voter help
Texas voting rights groups reduced assistance for non-English speakers and disabled voters after state law criminalized voter help.

> Yo soy sus ojos
## SB1 law changes election rules
Texas passed SB1 in 2021, making it illegal to receive compensation for helping voters fill ballots.
## Criminal penalties for violations
Violations of SB1 can lead to up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
## LUPE's voter assistance
LUPE helps 30,000 people yearly, including disabled and elderly voters.
## Voter assistance restrictions
LUPE workers now must ask voters to leave if they need ballot help.
## Election law impact
The law affects non-English speakers, disabled voters, and elderly populations in Texas.
## Rio Grande Valley context
The Rio Grande Valley has 1.4 million residents, 90% Hispanic, and 24% below poverty line.
## Voter assistance alternatives
Groups now provide checklists instead of one-on-one help for voters.
## Volunteer fears
Volunteers fear legal trouble if they assist voters without proper documentation.
## State response
Texas Republicans passed SB1 in response to false claims about the 2020 election.
## Voter anxiety
Elderly voters face increased anxiety due to complex ballot requirements.
## Local impact
Maria Gomez provides rides to polls for neighbors in San Juan, Texas.
## Voter assistance challenges
Voters with disabilities struggle to access mail ballots without assistance.
## State law enforcement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton investigated voting groups in Latino communities.
## Voter assistance alternatives
Groups now host group sessions with projectors to show ballot instructions.
## Voter assistance consequences
Voters with disabilities face barriers to voting due to new state law.
## Key takeaway

Texas voting rights groups reduced assistance for non-English speakers and disabled voters after state law criminalized voter help.