Ever so gradually, the federal courts and the DOJ are examining the Republican Party’s attempt to deprive qualified Democratic voters of their right to vote, under the guise of voter fraud. As they complete their examinations, they are concluding that Republican voter ID laws are, in fact, discriminatory. The latest case is Texas.
A Texas law requiring voters to show picture ID at the polls was struck down by a three-judge federal panel, who said the state failed to prove the legislation wouldn’t harm low-income and minority voters.
Thursday’s unanimous ruling was the second legal defeat in three days for one of America’s most conservative states, which on Tuesday had a different Washington panel reject its new congressional and state Legislature district maps on the grounds that they discriminated against blacks and Hispanics.
But while it has lost those battles, Texas vows it may yet win the war — in the Supreme Court.
The Republican-dominated state Legislature passed a voter ID law in 2011, a measure that had long been backed by conservatives statewide. Yet the court ruled Thursday that the law imposes “strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor” and noted that Texas minorities are more likely to live in poverty… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Washington Post>
Photo credit: AccessNorthGa
This is indeed a step in the right direction, but I wish they would pick up the pace, because too many states still have them.
I would encourage you to be poll watchers in states where such laws are blocked, because there will be Republican operatives there to try to convince qualified voters that they cannot vote without the ID.
12 Responses to “Court Rejects Texas Republicans”
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And now you can add OHIO!
The Federal District Court has ordered an injunction in the case of Obama for America v. Husted forbidding the state from eliminating those three early voting days.
Now that we got those days back for the people, we need to GOTV!
Good!
Bush stole the election in 2000. This voter id crap is a new way to steal it again. So glad Ohio voters won.
As am I!
My understanding of the Texas redistricting is that it won't take effect in time for the 2012 vote. That would mean that Texas will retain the districts of the 2010 vote, right? And this voter ID law slap down is great, but I agree with you TC, extra scrutineers will be needed to ensure that the Republican/Teabaggers don't get nasty at the individual polls. Such nastiness would put the US in the same league as countries that try to intimidate voters with shows of military force.
For Texas, I guess the next stop is SCOTUS. Hmmmm ……..
This is different. It's Texas voter ID. On the redidtricting, I think we get the bogus map this time.
Jim Crow is alive and well and living in the U.S.A.!
Thanks to the GOPKKK.
12 million jobs are going to be created anyway? Hmmm, Mittens. This might be a good time to become president, take credit for leading us out of the recession, and not really ever have to break a sweat. Obama's already done all the heavy lifting for you.
Exactly!
We all knew as soon as we saw them the laws were/are meant to discriminate ; The only way is to fight out loud ; The DOJ is fighting as quickly as they are allowed– I try to remember they have to document what we all know to be true- Intent has to be proved–
That the courts are throwing them out does not give us reason to stop fighting ; IMO we need to go on and continue registering , helping others register , make sure what your states needs for registration.
Take nothing for grant' It has been years since I was a poll watcher so I am not sure what policy and procedure is these days– I do know your Local part headquarters can provide all the info and help you need–
Now : The Drill– VOTE , and Help Others to Vote !
I could not agree more!