Voter ID bill generates hot debate in Texas Senate
AUSTIN — A partisan showdown in the state Senate over legislation requiring voters to provide identification to cast ballots stretched into the night Tuesday as experts presented conflicting assessments over its impact and the bill’s Republican sponsor defended the measure against an assault from Democrats.
Led by Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Republicans have identified the voter ID bill as one of their top priorities of the 2009 Legislature to protect polling places from voter fraud. But Democrats and civil rights groups say the bill is unnecessary and would disenfranchise poor, elderly and minority voters unable to meet the identification requirements.
SB362 would require voters to present "an acceptable form of photo identification" at the polling booth, such as a driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Those without a photo ID would be able to vote by presenting two other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate, library card and hunting or fishing licenses, Fraser said.
FD: Quick. What do you have in your wallet?
Since I am election judge, your voter card (without photo), your driver's license or passport, and lots of other stuff like a utility bill addressed to you at the location showing on the poll list, is the current requirement.
Too easy to vote with that type of identification? OK.
Show me your birth certificate?
What can we offer besides the driver's license in Texas?
18 to 80 years of age, what would a person have in their wallet that would identify them and the location of where they live so they can vote?
Anything else: an official Texas Voter Card from the DOT "like a driver's license" will require a FEE or a TAX and a PHOTO in a branch office that will be just as convenient as the last time you went down to get the DL renewed. Nursing home? Shut in? Drop out? Homeless?
Whom do you want to disenfranchise?
I really can not see that this is a real problem in Texas?
The current system is NOT BROKEN.
How about a brand or tatoo at 18 years of age?
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