State Senators on both sides are gearing up for their bitter partisan battle over stricter ID requirements in order to vote in Texas. Testimony begins tomorrow before debate and then a vote, eventually. Republicans in favor say they don't understand the opposition to the bill, largely because they can't "imagine a circumstance" where people won't be able to vote for lack of the forms of ID required.

"We'll give everyone a chance to make their case before we actually debate the bill," said state Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands. "There are alternative forms of identification that are provided for in the bill. You can have a government-issued voter ID or any two of a list of things after that, like a Medicare card or a social security check stub. I don't see this as an overly partisan thing. This bill is not nearly as restrictive as the Indiana or Georgia law (the ones that held up after SCOTUS review)," Williams said.

As our Impact Player Jerry Philips brought up, the US Dept of Justice will have to review whatever new provisions that are passed in Texas, assuming they pass.

"All election law in Texas has to be pre-cleared through the Department of Justice, so it will be reviewed," said Williams.

Meanwhile, Democratic state Senators will appear together after today's floor session to outline their opposition. Other groups that may be affected, like the Coalition for Texans with Disablities, will also be represented.

1 Comments

Suzette Watkins said:

"bitter partisan battles," the exact reason why we need new political leaders instead of party loyalist who get in the way of progress and finding solutions!

March 9, 2009 2:53 PM

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