In Texas since 2011 it has been an uphill battle to exercise your basic right to vote. However, today the right to vote has seen a massive victory. This victory came through the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down the voter laws that they believed had a “discriminatory effect.”
The discriminatory effect that these laws have comes as no surprise. It is quite obvious that these laws have the effect of decreasing voter turnout, especially of young or minority voters. In fact, Texas has what many regard as the most strict voter ID laws and many believe that the laws hold a distinct bias. The laws require that you have one of seven forms of acceptable identification, of which about 600,000 people do not have. The list of acceptable identification includes an open carry license but not a student ID. If that’s not an obvious bias to who the Republicans know are more likely to vote for them, then I don’t know what is.
The fact that these laws are now struck down comes as a victory for Democrats and minority rights groups. Texas has now taken a step toward voting equality that is going to have a lasting and glorious impact on the state. The Texas Democratic Party Chairman, Gilbert Hinojosa stated:
“Today’s ruling is a victory for every Texas voter. Once again, the rule of law agrees with Democrats. The Republican voter ID law is discriminatory.”
Of course there is push-back from those of the Republican Party who intend to keep these discriminatory laws in place. The Texas Governor, Greg Abbot, stated:
“In light of ongoing voter fraud, it is imperative that Texas has a voter ID law that prevents cheating at the ballot box…Texas will continue to fight for its voter ID requirement to ensure the integrity of elections in the Lone Star State.”
HUH? How can you have the audacity to mention cheating at the ballot box? Your party is the party cheating by enacting discriminatory voting laws akin to poll taxes.
The ruling of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes as what will hopefully be a legal precedent for ending these atrocious laws that prevent many Americans from having the proper representation that they desire.
Featured Image via The Federalist Papers
