Friday, May 11, 2012

Tx State Sen. Ellis: Make Clear The Voter Photo ID Law Isn't In Effect

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, on Friday asked the Texas Secretary of State to make clear that the voter photo ID requirement will not be in effect for the May 29 primary.

Legislation passed in 2011 (SB 14) requires that voters present one of a select group of government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or military ID, before casting a ballot.

The U.S. Department of Justice rejected the state’s application for preclearance of the law in March, claiming the state did not prove that the law would not have a discriminatory effect on minority voters.

The voter photo ID law is currently tied up in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. with the earliest possible trial date, according to court proceedings, not until July – and that is only if the State of Texas makes certain discovery document available this week.

A statement, as specified by the Texas Secretary of State, concerning identification requirements on the back of new 2012-13 Voter Registration Cards can be misinterpreted to mean that voters must present select government issue photo identification, as specified in SB14, in order to vote in the primary election.

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