Reply #6: Texas voters may have to produce photo IDs

[dzika]

March 17, 2005

Texas voters may have to produce photo IDs

JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press

AUSTIN - Texas voters would have to show photo identification or multiple forms of other ID before they could cast their ballots under election law changes being pushed by House Republicans.

Three bills with the photo ID requirement are pending before the House Elections Committee. Lawmakers heard testimony from supporters who say the measure would prevent voter fraud and opponents who warn it will deny some citizens of their right to vote.

"This is to make sure you are who you say you are when you show up to vote," said Rep. Mary Denny, the Flower Mound Republican who sponsored one of the bills. She is chairwoman of the elections committee.

The Republican Party of Texas supports the measure. The state Democratic Party opposes it.

"They're just adding roadblocks to voting," said Democratic Party Chief of Staff Mike Lavigne.

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