Governor Rick Perry Signs Into Law Senate Bill 14, Which Requires A Photo ID To Vote

For Immediate Release
Friday, May 27, 2011

AUSTIN, TEXAS - On Friday, Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 14, which requires a photo ID to vote. Representative Patricia Harless (R-Spring), the House sponsor of the legislation, commented on Governor Perry's action:

"We must start by thanking Governor Rick Perry for ensuring integrity in our election process by making voter ID legislation an emergency item for the 82nd Legislative Session. Thank you to Speaker Straus for his leadership and commitment to getting voter ID legislation to the House floor for debate.

I thank Senator Troy Fraser for his long time dedication to this issue. I also thank Chairman Dennis Bonnen for his work to get Senate Bill 14 to the floor, and Representatives Vicki Truitt, Todd Smith, Larry Taylor, Aaron Peña, and Jose Aliseda for all their help in passing this important legislation.

We must do all we can to guarantee our elections are conducted fairly and without fraud. I am honored to have been a part of this legislation, which takes a significant step to ensure the integrity of the ballot box."

Senate Bill 14 would require voters to show photo identification to election officials before they cast a vote in-person. Voters without acceptable photo ID may cast a provisional ballot, and return within six days with the proper photo ID to have their ballot counted. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license or other DPS- issued photo ID, concealed-carry weapon license, passport, military ID or citizenship certificate with a photo.

Contact:
Colby Beuck
(512) 463-0496

Texas State Capitol
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768
(512) 463-0496

6605 Cypresswood Drive - Suite 240
Spring, Texas 77379
(281) 376-4114