Texas voters will see little change when they head to the polls this November. A 3 judge federal panel shot down the State's proposed voter I. D. law, saying it imposes "strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor."
The justices have been debating the case since early July. In the unanimous opinion, Justice David Tatel noted many minorities in Texas live in poverty and would not be able to afford a photo I. D. During arguments, the Justice Department argued the law would discourage minorities and young voters from heading to the polls.
One Texoma resident we spoke with disagreed. She said, "I think that's just ridiculous. Somewhere you're going to get a photo I. D. whether it's from your license, your military, there's someone out there that will give you a photo I. D."
Texas residents can obtain a Photo I. D. card from the Department Of Public Safety with their birth certificate and social security card. The justices noted the financial burden of getting to the DPS or obtaining a copy of a birth certificate, still put the poor at a disadvantage.
Texas Governor Rick Perry came out swinging in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon. He said, "Chalk up another victory for fraud." The Governor went on to say "The Obama administration's claim that it's a burden to present a photo I. D. to vote simply defies common sense."
Another Texoma resident agrees with the Justice department, saying everyone should be able to vote, regardless of a photo identification.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said he will appeal the decision to the United States Supreme Court. The AG seemed confident the court would side with the Lone Star State's proposed law. He said, "The Supreme Court of the United States has already upheld Voter ID laws as a constitutional method of ensuring integrity at the ballot box. Today's decision is wrong on the law and improperly prevents Texas from implementing the same type of ballot integrity safeguards that are employed by Georgia and Indiana - and were upheld by the Supreme Court."
Abbott also said having a decision from the Supreme Court by the November election was impractical.
Saturday, May 25 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-25 21:03:08 GMT
A health fair hosted by the Family Health Center was held at the Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center Saturday. This is the 2nd year the Health Fair is being held and the first 150 people who attended
Health Fair held at MPEC offers lab screenings and other health resources for free for Texomans.
Saturday, May 25 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-25 16:55:23 GMT
Police in Olney are telling resident to stay inside and lock their doors, as they search for an inmate they believe escaped from a prison transport early this morning.
Police in Olney are telling resident to stay inside and lock their doors, as they search for an inmate they believe escaped from a prison transport early this morning.
