Texas Agrees to Weaken Voter ID Law For November Election

Texas struck a deal Wednesday that will soften its voter ID law for the November general election — a development that lawyers suing the state say will make it easier for minorities to cast their ballots.

The state reached the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and minority rights groups just a few weeks after a federal appeals court ruled that Texas’ 2011 voter identification law was discriminatory.

Under the new terms, registered voters will be able to vote without a photo ID, according to a copy of the rules provided by the state attorney general's office. Those without an ID can sign an affidavit that certifies they are a U.S. citizen and present proof of residence, such as a utility bill, bank statement or paycheck. Texas must provide such affidavits in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

The terms, which still must be approved by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos before they are finalized, also say election officials cannot question Texans lacking identification.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2016/08/03/texas-agrees-weaken-voter-id-law/