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Voter Id Texas

March 13, 2012 by · Comments Off on Voter Id Texas 

Voter Id Texas, A controversial new Texas law requiring voters to present personal identification before going to the polls has been blocked by the Obama administration.

In a letter Monday to state officials, the Justice Department said the legislation could have a discriminatory effect on Hispanics and other minorities.

Texas is among eight states to require official photo identification in an effort to stop what officials say is voter fraud. Opponents of the laws say they disenfranchise poor, minority and disabled voters.

The department concluded there is little evidence of voter fraud in Texas warranting the legislative changes.

“We note that the state’s submission did not include evidence of significant in-person voter impersonation not already addressed by the state’s existing laws,” said Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general.

The landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 gives the federal government the power to oversee any changes in voting procedures in states and jurisdictions with a history of voter discrimination.

Texas’ new voting boundaries for congressional and legislative seats are also being challenged separately in federal court.

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