Texas' voter ID law to go on trial in Washington

Posted: Jul 08, 2012 9:36 AM PDT Updated: Jul 08, 2012 9:36 AM PDT
By HENRY C. JACKSON
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - The fate of Texas' controversial new voter ID law - which requires voters to show photo identification at the polls - is set to be decided this week in a federal court in Washington.

The state, arguing the law will prevent voter fraud, is seeking to persuade a three-judge panel to uphold the statute. The Justice Department and a slew of intervening groups say the law disproportionately affects minority voters, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. They will seek to have it thrown out.

The case will be a test of the Voting Rights Act, passed in 1965, which was designed to protect minorities' rights to vote.

The trial begins Monday.

Texas' voter ID law to go on trial in Washington - Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston