We, the undersigned organizations, strongly oppose House Bill 1794, which would allow firearms in polling places across Texas. This proposal undermines voter safety, threatens election integrity, and ignores the will of Texans who believe in safe and accessible democratic participation.

Polling places are and must remain neutral, non-intimidating environments where voters — regardless of background or political affiliation — can exercise their constitutional right free from fear or coercion. The presence of firearms at these locations, even when legally carried, has a chilling effect on voter turnout and can create confusion and fear among voters, poll workers, and election officials.

There is ample precedent for prohibiting guns in sensitive places. In its Bruen decision, the U.S. Supreme Court explicitly reaffirmed the constitutionality of firearm restrictions in areas such as polling places, courthouses, and legislative assemblies. These protections exist to safeguard the democratic process and must not be rolled back.

Guns do not belong in polling places. HB 1794 sends the wrong message to Texans and risks eroding confidence in the safety of our elections. We urge lawmakers to reject this dangerous proposal and to instead pursue policies that protect, rather than endanger, the right to vote.

We respectfully ask you to vote NO on HB 1794.

Signed,