Voter ID Laws, Texas, and US History Class

Voter ID Laws, Texas, and US History Class  

The Gist

The ramifications, if any, of Texas Senate Bill 14 (colloquially referred to as the Voter ID Law) will be felt when Texans go to the polls tomorrow. SB14, passed in 2011, requires a person to show a government-issued identification before voting, which includes Texas driver licenses, Texas concealed handgun licenses, and United State Passports. The bill was struck down by U.S. District Court Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos-an Obama appointee-in October, but the Supreme Court ordered it temporarily reinstated for the November elections. Proponents of the bill, overwhelmingly Republican, argue that they are merely combating voter fraud, not trying to disenfranchise the poor or minorities (it should be noted that not all conservatives support voter ID laws: Reagan-appointed conservative judge, Richard Posner, wrote a scathing article against the laws). Opponents of the bill, overwhelmingly Democratic, point to the fact that voter fraud is extremely rare, and that requiring a certain form of ID (which is not free) is tantamount to a poll tax. Early voting in counties with large minority populations has been lower in Texas this time around, but no one will know the full extent (if any) until after November 4^th. You need an ID for less important activities including getting into a nightclub, boarding a plane and buying alcohol. However, none of the above mentioned are protected constitutional rights (which, for anyone who took US History in high school knows, includes voting). To quote the right of center Economist: “Ultimately, and regardless of its effect, Texas's law restricts the right to vote. This is troubling, even if the choices at the polls inspire Texans to stay at home anyway.” ...and now you know the gist.