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Democrats from Texas have defied threats of arrest after fleeing the state in an effort to stop Republicans from passing a sweeping new voting law. More than 50 Democrats flew to Washington DC on Monday, in a move intended to paralyse the state's House of Representatives ahead of the vote. At least two-thirds of the chamber's 150 members must be present for a vote.

The voting bill that prompted the Democratic exodus would ban 24-hour polling places and add ID requirements for mail-in voting

It was proposed amid a wave of voting restrictions in Republican-led states. Republicans argue the measures are essential for election security, but Democrats see them as an attack on the right to vote.

The Texas Senate passed its version of the bill on Tuesday, but the House was unable to follow suit due to the missing Democrats.

It must be passed in both chambers to become law.

Erin Zwiener, one of the Texan politicians who fled their state, explains why they have taken such drastic action.

"The only way they (Republicans) can continue to win is by making it harder for certain groups to vote," he says.

Photo: The group of Democrats held a press conference outside the US Capitol on Tuesday Credit: EPA

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