ACLU Comment on Fifth Circuit Ruling Striking Down Texas Photo Voter ID Law
HOUSTON – Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled the Texas voter identification law violates the Voting Rights Act. The court found the 2011 Texas law – viewed by many as the strictest in the nation – discriminates against minorities and must be revised before Election Day.
The ACLU previously filed an amicus brief in Veasey v. Abbott, the case challenging Texas’ voter ID law.
The following may be attributed to Rebecca L. Robertson, legal and policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas:
“We’re delighted that the 5th Circuit has determined — once again – that Texas’ discriminatory photo voter ID law has the effect of disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of minority voters in the Lone Star State while doing precisely nothing to prevent voter fraud. This law was nothing less than a brazen and transparent attempt to keep people of color out of the voting booth. The case now goes back to the district judge to fashion a remedy that will make it easier for qualified Texans to cast their ballots this fall and we’re hopeful the result will be more fair.”
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