A federal judge who compared Texas’ voter ID requirements to a “poll tax” on minorities once again blocked the law Wednesday, rejecting a weakened version backed by the Trump administration and dealing Texas Republicans another court defeat over voting rights, according to USSA News.
Nelva Gonzales Ramos, a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, on Wednesday, once again blocked a revamped voter identification law because the State Legislature’s attempt to loosen the law did not go far enough and still perpetuated discrimination against black and Hispanic voters.
Ramos found the original Texas voter identification law the most restrictive in the United States.The law required voters to show one of seven forms of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before casting a ballot.
Today a federal judge blocked Texas from enforcing its latest voter identification law, find that it still discriminates against black and Hispanic voters.
The law – which Texas Republicans said was necessary to prevent voter fraud, even though there’s no evidence of voter fraud -- requires voters to show one of 7 forms of government-issued photo identification or sign an affidavit, with criminal penalties for anyone making false claims.
By the way, Trump’s Justice Department under Jeff Sessions sided with Texas, against the civil rights groups that brought the suit. And it’s likely to join with Texas in appealing the ruling.
The Justice Department used to have a civil rights division. It used to sue states that suppressed votes. But now the Justice Department is on the side of voter suppression.
Shame on Trump, on Sessions, and on Texas Republican legislators. Shame on all those who lie about voter fraud and deny Americans the right to vote.
By Manny Fernandez
