With early voting already underway across Cherokee County, many are learning about the state’s new voter ID bill – and the United States government wants to know more about it, as well. The bill, signed into law in May by Gov. Rick Perry, requires voters to present one of five accepted forms of voter ID – a drivers license, military ID, passport, concealed handgun license or a special voter ID provided by the state free of charge – before voting. Individuals over the age of 70 are exempt from the law.
“This simple action, no more complicated then cashing a check down at the HEB or applying for a library card down the street, will appropriately help maintain the integrity and fairness of our electoral system here in the Lone Star State,” Gov. Perry said prior to the signing.
The bill is considered tougher than similar bills in other states. The Texas voter ID law was based on the voter ID law in Indiana; however, the Texas law does not recognize student IDs as acceptable.
Anyone with a missing ID has six days to produce one of the five accepted forms in order for their vote to count. Indiana’s version gives those missing acceptable IDs 10 days to recover it.
The bill is currently on the books in the state, but is currently under review by the U.S. Justice Department.
Full Article: Texas’ voter ID law examined | www.thecherokeean.com | Cherokeean Herald.
