Voter ID bill helps, but might not please courts

Before lawmakers adjourn Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott wants them to pass Senate Bill 5, a new voter ID law.

Without action, Texas runs the risk of renewed federal government oversight of its election laws.

A 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision freed Texas and other states from the preclearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act.

But in April, a federal judge ruled that Texas’ 2011 voter ID law intentionally discriminated against minorities, possibly warranting a return to federal preclearance.

The bill tentatively approved by the House on Tuesday would allow Texans unable to obtain one of the seven forms of required identification to present alternative ID, such as a utility bill or paycheck, and a signed affidavit swearing that a “reasonable impediment” kept them from obtaining what was otherwise required.

A third-degree felony charge could await someone found to have intentionally lied on the affidavit.

Senate Bill 5 would also allow voters age 70 and older to use an expired photo ID when casting a ballot.

The 2011 law needed modification. The proposed legislation largely codifies changes ordered by the court in 2016 and should eliminate most barriers caused by the 2011 law’s strict ID requirements.

Whether it will placate the courts remains to be seen.

It’s just unfortunate that lawmakers now must mollify federal judges instead of starting with wiser decisions.

This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Voter ID bill helps, but might not please courts."