The U.S. Department Of Justice (DOJ) Requests Additional Information On The Photo Voter ID Law

Friday, September 23, 2011

AUSTIN, TEXAS - On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requested additional information on the photo voter ID law (Senate Bill 14) before they will completely approve the law under Section 5 of  Voting Rights Act. The DOJ approved sections of the bill relating to the increase in penalties for illegal voting and attempted illegal voting.

Representative Patricia Harless (R-Spring), the House sponsor of the legislation, commented on the DOJ's action:

"Although I am disappointed that the Department of Justice did not approve all the provisions in the photo voter ID law at this time, the agencies responsible for the law's implementation will cooperate fully by responding to the DOJ's questions to the best of their ability." Harless added, "With the additional information, I am confident that the photo voter ID law will be fully approved by the DOJ."

Once the DOJ receives the requested information, they will have an additional 60 days to consider the photo voter id law under the federal Voting Rights Act.

Senate Bill 14 requires 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