Three months ago today Chief Justice John Roberts announced the 5-4 decision on Shelby County v. Holder, the most serious challenge to the 1965 Voting Rights Act since it was passed.
Within two hours Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott declared that “the State’s voter ID law will take effect immediately.” This is the very same 2011 strict photo ID mandate that a panel of three federal judges had previously forbidden because it violated the Voting Rights Act’s prohibition against minority-voter discrimination.
When Texas revealed its plan, VoteRiders was ready. So were our Partners: Empower The Vote Texas Education Fund and Texas Civic Engagement Table. We responded and are proud to announce that our first Voter ID Clinic will take place this Saturday 9/21/2013 at NCI Ripley House, 4410 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011! The Clinic will be held from 9am to 1pm. Please call 888-557-5150 to pre-register or for more information.
According to the Justice Department, more than 600,000 eligible voters could be disenfranchised due to Texas’ new law.
Most of the registered voters who will be turned away from the polls under this law don’t have the most common ID, a current driver’s license. Who are these citizens? Students and those with low income who live in cities and rely on public transportation. The elderly, infirm and those with disabilities who are unable to drive a car but should not lose their right to choose the leaders of their country. Women who have changed their name since they registered to vote. People of color, who disproportionately lack current, government-issued photo ID.
Now we need your help! Do you know anyone in the Houston area who needs to secure proof of citizenship or identity documents so they can get their voter ID? Even if they’re not sure if they are registered to vote, encourage them to attend the Clinic so we can assist them! The Clinic organizers are prepared to help and answer all questions. You can pre-register by calling 888-557-5150.
We really need you to spread the word so all eligible Houston-area citizens can vote! You can also visit Empower the Vote Texas Education Fund's website for more information.