Messin’ with Texas — Federal Court Says No to Voter ID Law

I wrote last week about Republican voter suppression efforts, and the unfortunate decision of a judge in Pennsylvania not to block that state’s voter ID law, which could disenfranchise up to 750,000 mostly minority voters.

A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has today blocked a Texas voter ID law, finding that it places “strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor” and disproportionately will impact minorities.

1960’s Voter Registration

Texas is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires federal approval of any voting changes in states that have a history of discrimination.  The Justice Department refused to approve the voter ID law, and Texas chose to sue the department.

Another three-judge panel of the same appellate court is hearing arguments this week on a similar voter ID law passed in South Carolina.  The entire matter seems headed for the United States Supreme Court.