Texas voter ID law to continue after appellate court ruling Oct. 14
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AUSTIN – The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Oct. 14 issued a stay on the injunction of the enforcement of photo identification legislation as it applies to the upcoming election, according to a statement from Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry.
“(The) court issued a stay that means photo ID requirements will continue to be in effect for the Nov. 4 election, just as they have been for the last three statewide elections,” the statement read. “Voters should prepare, as many already have, to show one of seven approved forms of photo ID if they plan to vote in person. ”
Senate Bill 14, passed by the state Legislature in 2009, requires voters to show photo ID before casting their ballots.
A U.S. District Court judge in Corpus Christi on Oct. 9 rendered an opinion that contends the bill will disenfranchise thousands of voters by erecting paperwork hurdles that disproportionately impact minorities, the poor, the disabled and the elderly.
Supporters of the law say showing photo identification at the polls will reduce voter fraud.
To cast a ballot in person, registered voters need to present one of the following approved forms of photo ID:
- Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS
- U.S. military identification card containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. passport issued by the U.S. government
- Election Identification Certificate issued free by DPS
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the photo ID must be current or expired no more than 60 days.
Early voting is Oct. 20-31. The general election is Nov. 4.
For more information, visit VoteTexas.gov.
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