Congressman Al Green Hosts Town Hall Meeting on the New Texas Voter ID Law

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Houston, TX – November 21, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) hosted a town hall meeting in Houston to inform the residents of the Ninth Congressional District about the new requirements established by the Texas Voter Identification Act of 2011.

Under the new law, acceptable forms of ID include: Driver’s license; Election identification certificate; Texas Department of Public Safety personal ID card; U.S. Military ID; U.S. citizenship certificate; U.S. passport and license to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the Department of Public Safety.

The Congressman emphasized that all identification documents must include a photo of the voter. Additionally, the new law establishes that acceptable identification documents will be those that have not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation.

“I am hosting this town hall meeting because I want to make sure my constituents are well informed and that every person who is qualified can exercise his or her right to do so. It is important for members of the community to know how these new rules can impact them,” indicated Congressman Al Green.

The Congressman also explained, “According to the new law, a voter who fails to present the required identification may cast a provisional ballot. In such case, and not later than the sixth day after the date of the election, the voter must present the required form of identification to the voter registrar for examination.”

The new rules also contemplate the possibility of special provisions for voters who have a religious objection to being photographed or do not have identification as a result of a natural disaster declared by the President or the Governor. In such case, those voters may execute affidavits under penalty of perjury stating such circumstance in the presence of the voter registrar.

According to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the state of Texas must receive preclearance for changes to existing voting laws or political districts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing the law –which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2012– for preclearance.

This week, on Thursday November 17, DOJ sent a letter to Texas election officials stating that the information they have provided does not enable the Department to determine that the proposed changes will not harm the right to vote due to race, color or membership in a language group. Subsequently, DOJ has specifically requested that Texas election officials provide information about the race and ethnicity of the state’s voters.

Contact:
Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383-9234
E-mail: Alvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov
Internet: www.house.gov/algreen/

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On January 4, 2007 U.S. Representative Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his second term in the United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, he has dedicated his life to fighting for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.

Congressman Green’s chief legislative priority for the 110th Congress is creating a Federal Living Wage. As the Democratic Whip for Region 6 and one of the newest members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Green is dedicated to increasing U.S. port and border security and reducing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee where he continues his fight to eliminate insurance, housing and lender practices that have historically victimized low and moderate income communities. Additionally, Congressman Green remains committed to increasing the levels affordable housing and ensuring that every American realizes the dream of homeownership.

Contact:

Alvaro 'Al' Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383 9234 Ext. 111
Cell Phone: (832) 606 5869

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