BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Some of the Texas state representatives who left the state in protest rallied in Massachusetts yesterday.

They were joined at the state house by Democrats from across the US to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

The Texas Democrats left the state Sunday to prevent the Republican redistricting plan from moving forward.

If passed, it would likely give Republicans five additional seats in congress.

“They’re manipulating maps because they cannot manipulate the will of the people,” said Senator Caroline Alvarado, Texas Chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Texas republican governor Greg Abbott has ordered the civil arrest of more than 50 Democrats who left the state.

It’s not clear at this point when the lawmakers are expected to go back to Texas.

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