President Banks to Testify on "Voter-ID"

Texas Alliance for Retired Americans President Annie M. Banks of Houston is planing to testify before the Texas Legislature against the so-called "Voter-ID" bill that is being considered. Hearings are scheduled for March 10 in Austin.

A similar measure came very close to passing in the Legislature two years ago. Most Republicans supported it and most Democrats opposed it. Republicans say that requiring a  state-provided picture identification card would stop imposters from voting in Texas elections. Democrats say that no such problem exists, despite tremendous expenditures in trying to find it. They go on to say that what the Republicans really hope to do is make it harder for Texas seniors and disabled people, who may not already have drivers' licenses, to vote.

Since our nation was founded with only older white property owners as voters, Americans have steadily extended suffrage to include younger people, women, and, especially, minority citizens. The "Voter-ID" bill attempts to reverse the trend of democracy and disenfranchise thousands of Texas voters.