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Voter ID rules relaxed ahead of Nov. 8 election

Wed, 10/12/2016 - 6:00 am
newsdesk@grahamleader.com
A federal district court in August ordered change to the Texas voter identification requirements for all elections, meaning alternative forms of identification can be presented if a voter does not possess an ID the state’s 2011 election law had required. The seven forms of ID required in the law, the subject of lawsuits since it was passed, included a driver license, election certificate, personal identification card, handgun license, military identification, citizenship certificate or U.S. passport. However, in July a federal appeals court ruled the voter ID law violates federal laws that prohibit racial discrimination and fails to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Then in September, a federal judge ruled the state had to alter its press releases, posters and materials regarding the relaxation of the ID rules because the information being disseminated made it seem a photo ID was still required to vote. It is not. If a person appears on the official list of registered voters for Young County, but does not have photo ID, the voter can still vote. They’ll be given an affidavit to sign, called a “reasonable impediment declaration form,” declaring they’re U.S. citizens. They will need to show proof of residence, like a utility bill, bank statement or paycheck stub. Those who are not on the list of registered voters in Young County will be able to vote provisionally, but must present an acceptable form of photo identification to Young County Election Administrator Lauren Sullivan within six days, or their vote won’t count. For the rest of this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Graham Leader, or subscribe to our online edition.