Voter ID plan ok’d in House

By BRANDI GRISSOM
Associated Press Writer

An identical measure passed the House earlier this month, but the bill became bottled up in a Senate committee. To revive the legislation, Rep. Mary Denny, R-Flower Mound, attached the voter ID measure to a bill that would allow election officials to access electronic information available on driver's licenses. The bill passed on a vote of 83-59.

“In some parts of this state, there is big money to be made by lying about who you are,” said Denny, adding the purpose of requiring more identification is to root out voter fraud.

Opponents of the voter ID bill have said it would disenfranchise thousands of Texans who do not have identification, especially those who are poor, minorities, elderly, students and disabled.

“It truly is an inconvenience for many people who may not have access to transportation and may not have access to many of the means that many here do,” said Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio.

Under the measure, voters would have to present photo identification to vote. Those without photo identification would be required to present two other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate, utility bill or concealed handgun license.

An amendment added to the bill would allow voters 85 or older to present only their voter registration card or their photo identification.

Without the required identification, the bill would allow a voter to cast a provisional ballot that would only be counted after their identity is verified.

Currently, a voter can present a voter registration card at the poll to cast a ballot. Without the card, voters can enter the poll with a photo ID such as a driver's license or state-issued personal identification card. If a voter doesn't have photo ID, just one other form is needed.

The measure must be approved again by the House before returning to the Senate for consideration.

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The bill that contains the voter identification measure is SB89.