Judges ask tough questions about Texas voter ID law at trial

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Judges ask tough questions about Texas voter ID law at trial

By Drew Singer
WASHINGTON | Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:36pm EDT

(Reuters) - A three-judge federal panel deciding the fate of Texas' new voter identification law grilled the state's lawyer in closing arguments on Friday and suggested that the controversial legislation would disproportionately hurt racial minorities.

The law, passed by the Republican-dominated Texas legislature in 2011, requires voters show a voter registration card - which does not have a photo - or an acceptable alternative, such as a driver's license or a utility bill.

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As lawyers for the two sides made their final arguments after a week-long trial in U.S. District Court in Washington, the judges focused far more of their skeptical questions on Texas lawyer John Hughes than on the U.S. government lawyer.

"The burden falls disproportionately on minorities because minorities are disproportionately poor," Appeals Court Judge David Tatel told Hughes. "You have to have evidence that it will not have a retrogressive effect."

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/14/us-usa-vote-texas-idUSBRE86D00S20120714

[freshwest]

1. It's a poll tax and unnecessary. They know many minorities, poor, elderly and disabled don't drive.

Thes judges should hold firm and strike all these laws.

[ThoughtCriminal]

2. And what was the answer from the Texas lawyer?

It kind of bugs me that the article mentions the questions, but not the response. How do they justify it?

"...we have solid answers for them".

Is it asking too much for a reporter to examine what these "Answers" are or whether they are valid?

[Downwinder]

3. I am confused.

Is a voter registration card sufficient identification for the Texas law?