Pete Gallego statement on Texas Voter ID Order Loosening SB14 Requirements

(Press Release) Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos approved a plan establishing new voting procedures for the state of Texas, following last month’s ruling by the conservative Fifth Circuit Court which found Texas’ voter ID law in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The settlement agreed to by the State and co-plaintiffs protects all Texas voters in the upcoming November General Election from potential disenfranchisement. Registered voters who do not possess 1 of the 7 acceptable forms of identification under SB14 will be allowed to cast a regular ballot by presenting either a valid voter registration card, certified birth certificate, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or “any other government document that displays the voter’s name and address” provided they sign a “reasonable impediment declaration” explaining their obstacle to obtaining 1 of the 7 previously required ID’s.

This order also requires Texas to spend $2.5 million on a voter education plan so that voters can become familiar with the changes.

Following is a statement by Pete Gallego, former Congressman and current candidate for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District: 

“I am glad that both sides have reached a compromise and that our taxpayer dollars will not be used to implement a law that was intentionally crafted to suppress voter turnout.

“However, the fight is not over yet, and our daily efforts to ensure that every voter in TX-23 is prepared to make their voice heard at the ballot box will continue right up until Election Day.”