Voter ID Bill Heads to the House Floor

AUSTIN—Today the Elections Committee of the Texas House of Representatives passed the Senate version of a Voter Identification bill out of their committee. The bi-partisan bill garnered support from both Democratic and Republican committee members.

Polls show that nearly 70 percent of Texans strongly believe that showing valid photo identification should be required before being allowed to vote. In fact, many Texans believe that a valid driver's license is required to vote and are shocked to learn that one can currently vote without a valid photo ID.

As the bill moves to the House floor, Democrat legislators will be looking for procedural "points of order" to prevent them from being held accountable to their constituents--it is up to Elections Committee Chairman Todd Smith (R-Euless) and Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) to ensure this bill has a full debate and vote on the floor. Texans want real voter ID and are particularly counting on Smith as the House Sponsor to strengthen, not weaken, this important bill on the floor. The final legislation must include what Texans want: valid Photo ID to vote, an increase in penalties for fraud without creating loopholes such as same-day voter registration, and immediate effect to ensure that our elections are free and fair.

Texas Republican Party Chairman Benkiser is calling on all House members, Republican and Democrat, to continue the bi-partisan spirit of protecting our electoral system and support this bill. "A watered-down voter ID bill won’t do. The majority of the Elections Committee support this critical legislation as do the majority of Texas voters. I am certain other Democrats will join Republicans on the House floor and support real voter ID in Texas elections," Chairman Benkiser said.