SHOW YOUR FACE

I am for punishing the guilty and holding those accountability who dare steal another's identity. However, using a law, such as the Texas Voter ID Law to exclude minorities is quite another matter. Besides, there are already laws on the books to punish those who attempt to impersonate others at the polls. Discrimination by any other name is still discrimination. This voter law requires an individual to present a valid form of government issued identification before casting his or her vote.  Currently, if a voter registration card is presented, no further identification is generally necessary. Otherwise,  you will need a valid state driver's license or some other state identification card. This has been my experience at  the polls in my county.

The Texas Voter ID law was recently rejected by the Justice Department and with good reason. Texas is one of few states that have a process the state must go through before any changes can be made to its election laws. This process stems from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and it protects the rights of minorities. If any election law reduces the voting strength of minorities that law is discriminatory in nature and therefore, not valid. If this Voter ID law is approved, many minorities, mostly Hispanic will be discriminated against.  There is a disproportionate amount of Hispanics and other minorities who do not possess state driver licenses or state identification cards. Therefore, they would not be allowed to vote under this Texas Voter ID Law. This voter bill was written by a Republican from the Senate and sponsored by a Republican from the House of Representatives. Republicans are traditionally known for standing on the side opposite the poor, elderly,  and the minority.

  

Identification cards are not issued free of charge. Individuals will be required to purchase an identification card.  This purchase may be of little significance to some but for others it will present a hardship. There are those who do not have the dollars it takes for a tank of gas or loaf of bread. They are not likely to spend money on an identification card to vote. It has been documented that Texans do not run to the polls to vote. This law negatively will impact elections and more voters will stay away from the polls.

The Texas Voter ID Law also can be seen as an attempt to shine the spotlight on illegal immigration. However, an illegal person would not seek to obtain an identification card. True to form, the Republicans attacked the President of the United States when this voter law was not passed by the Justice Department. Perhaps they should remember the difference between the executive and the judicial branches of government. 

I am very pleased the law has not been approved. The law will make it hard for minorities to vote.  Again, discrimination by any other name is still discrimination.