On May 25, Texas Governor Rick Perry vetoed HB 770. It would have provided that when ex-felons who are out of prison finally end their parole or probation status, the letter sent by the State Department of Public Safety (informing the ex-felon that he or she is now off parole or probation) should include a voter registration form. HB 770 had passed the Texas House by 120-21 and had passed the Texas Senate by 25-5.

This is not the first time that Governor Perry has vetoed a voting rights bill. On May 20, 2003, he vetoed that year’s HB 1274. It would have deleted the law requiring circulators to read 93 particular words whenever they ask someone to sign a petition for a new party or an independent candidate.