The Texas Senate has approved a bill eliminating straight ticket voting in the 85th legislative session with the bill to take effect in 2020. The vote was 21-10 in favor to prohibit voters from simply marking a ballot by party. This approval was over Democratic objections.
Texas one was of only ten states that allowed voting a straight ticket. A number of states stopped the practice over the last twenty years.
Supporters claim this will force voters to be more informed. Opponents note that voters can still vote a straight ticket, but it makes the process more difficult and will create delays and longer lines on election days.