A three-judge panel in Washington ruled today that Texas’ voter ID law, SB 14, imposes “strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor”. In the opinion the Judges state: “The State of Texas enacted a voter ID law that—at least to our knowledge—is the most stringent in the country.
3 Judge Panel Denies Preclearance of Texas Redistricting Plan
We are grateful for the decision issued today by the 3 Judge bi-partisan panel sitting in D.C. The panel looked at the evidence objectively and applied the law to the facts. It is notable that the bi-partisan opinion concluded that intentional discrimination existed in the manner that the State of Texas drew the new Congressional districts for each of the African American representatives from Texas. The opinion quoted each of the 3 African American Congresspersons in regards to how the economic engines were taken out of their districts, as well as how their Congressional offices were all taken out of the districts drawn by the Legislature. Of important note to the panel was the fact that all white Congresspersons maintained their districts, presenting a stark contrast. This opinion further demonstrates the continued need for the Voting Rights Act, particularly Section 5 of that Act.