Dallas Morning News Trailblazers blog 7/13/12
Texas Voter ID trial: closing arguments
(snip)
Texas officials, he argued, never even tried to find out how many voters or would-be voters would be impacted by the laws photo ID requirement. Given that the burden of proof rests with the state to show there is no discriminatory intent or effect, he argued, thats a fatal flaw.
Even if you have 200,000 people, and you dont know that the race is, the only conclusion is there is an unlawful racial burden, Colangelo argued, noting that blacks and Hispanics in Texas are three times more likely to live in poverty.
(snip)
The presiding judge, Judge Rosemary Collyer, noted that the state of Texas bears the burden of proof in the case to demonstrate that the new law does not violate federal civil rights law, either because of an intent to discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, or by having the effect of tamping down minority voter participation.
Collyer promised a ruling in short order. Lawyers in the case expect that to come by the end of August or even within a month. Its unclear if Texas officials could implement it in time for the November presidential election if they win, and whichever way the panel decides, the case will almost certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
I think this is looking good for Texas voters and should be another loss for Abbott and the Texas republican mafia crew.