TX. Voter identification bill clears the state senate

January 26, 2011

Voter identification bill clears the state senate

Voters must present photo identification to cast a ballot under a bill cleared by the Texas Senate tonight.

The bill passed along partisan lines with a 19-11 vote.

Republicans, with the support of Gov. Rick Perry, have argued that the legislation would help curb voter fraud and that people across the state are calling for passage of such legislation.

Democrats say evidence of widespread fraud has not been has not been provided. They call the issue politically motivated and argue that the bill disenfranchises minorities, low-income voters, college students and the elderly.

They made several failed attempts to make the legislation more closely resemble an unsuccessful bill that Republicans filed two years ago. That bill would have required photo identification or two alternate forms of ID without a photo.

About 40 amendments were proposed by both parties. Only about 10 passed.

http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/capitol/ ... enate.html