By State Senator Ken Paxton
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – S.B. 14 is now in effect in Texas, so voters must now present one of the following forms of photo identification in order to be permitted to cast a vote. In previous elections, voters were only required to present a voter registration certificate to a poll worker in order to cast a vote in Texas. While this practice was originally in place to ensure that only registered voters receive a ballot to vote, it left tremendous opportunities for fraud.
During the 82nd Legislative Session, my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill (S.B.) 14 to address this problem. S.B. 14, which I co-sponsored, amended the law to require voters to now present proof of identification when voting.
The implementation of S.B. 14 was delayed because the U.S. Department of Justice did not give Texas clearance to require Voter ID at election locations. However, in June this past summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Justice could no longer use the formula it once had employed under the Voting Rights Act to determine which states require approval from the Department before changing voting procedures. This decision by the U.S. Supreme Court no longer requires certain states to receive federal pre-approval of their state election laws allowing Texas to implement Voter ID immediately.
As a result, S.B. 14 is now in effect in Texas, so voters must now present one of the following forms of photo identification in order to be permitted to cast a vote:
- Texas drivers license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS);
- Personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety;
- United States military identification card with a photograph;
- United States citizenship certificate with a photograph;
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS;
- A U.S. passport; and/or
- A concealed handgun license issued by DPS.
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, all forms of photo ID must be current or have expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation.
For individuals who do not have other forms of identification, the Texas Secretary of State has partnered with DPS to provide opportunities for Texans to obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate.
There are three ways to obtain an EIC:
- By visiting ANY driver license office during regular business hours;
- By visiting one of the nearly 50 driver license offices that are now open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November 2nd, specifically to issues EICs only; and
- By visiting one of the EIC mobile stations, which will make it even more convenient for eligible Texas voters to obtain an EIC closer to home.
All applicants for an EIC will need to present proof of citizenship and identity.
An EIC Mobile Station will be in Richardson from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m/ on Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Richardson Civic Center (411 W. Arapaho Road; Richardson, Texas 75080).
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and the last day to register to vote for this election is Monday, October 7.
For additional information about the November 5 election with regards to Voter ID, obtaining Election Information Certificates, or voter registration, please check the Texas Secretary of State’s website at www.votetexas.gov.
