By Andy Sevilla
A federal appeals court Tuesday reinstated a Texas voter law that requires voters to show one of seven forms of photo identification to cast a ballot this November.
The appeals court decision effectively overturns a federal district judge’s ruling last week that found the voter ID law (SB14) to be unconstitutional.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals determined Tuesday that U.S District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos’ judgment last week was decided on the eve of the November election and “substantially disturbs” the election process days before early voting begins.
Locally, the Nov. 4 election will decide two seats on the Buda council, propositions totaling $55 million in Buda, and a sales tax election in Hays County Emergency Services District No. 5. The ballot also will host several national and state offices.
Ramos found last week that SB14, which was passed in 2011, “creates an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote, has an impermissible discriminatory effect against Hispanics and African Americans, and was imposed with an unconstitutional discriminatory purpose.”
But despite that finding, Lauren Bean, deputy communications director for the state’s attorney general’s office, said in a statement that the appeals court’s decision to overturn the injunction was the “right choice in order to avoid voter confusion.”
“The State will continue to defend the voter ID law and remains confident that the district court’s misguided ruling will be overturned on the merits,” Bean said.
Early voting begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
To cast a ballot in person, registered voters need to present one of the following approved forms of photo ID:
Texas Driver License – issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Personal Identification Card – issued by DPS
Texas Concealed Handgun License – issued by DPS
United States Military Identification card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport – issued by the U.S. government
Election Identification Certificate – issued free by DPS
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the photo ID must be current or expired no more than 60 days.
