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Senate Bill 14 Denied Judicial Preclearance by Federal Court

August 30, 2012
Contact: Rich Parsons or Alicia Pierce
512/ 463-5770

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade today announced a three-judge panel in federal district court in Washington, D.C. denied judicial preclearance of Senate Bill (SB 14) passed by the 82nd Texas Legislature requiring approved photo identification to vote.

“As a result of the court’s decision, Texas is not permitted to implement the photo ID law,” said Secretary Andrade. “Consequently, for the November 6 General Election, voters will not be required to present a photo ID to vote in person. Information on how Texas voters need to prepare for the General Election can be found at www.VoteTexas.gov.”

To cast a ballot in person for the November 6 General Election during Early Voting or on Election Day, voters should present their voter registration card or in lieu of a voter registration card, at least one of the following:

  • A driver's license or personal identification card issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety. You may also bring a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, even if the license or card has expired;
  • A form of identification that contains your photograph and establishes your identity;
  • A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person’s identity;
  • Your United States citizenship papers;
  • Your United States passport;
  • Official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity; or
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.