This Ruling Could Put Texas Back In The Doghouse On Voting Law Changes

[ashling]

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/texas-voter-id-preclearance

A federal judge's decision on Thursday to strike down Texas's strict voter identification law is a boost for the Obama administration's effort to once again require the Lone Star State to receive federal pre-approval before making any changes to its voting laws.

"The Court holds that SB 14 creates an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote, has an impermissible discriminatory effect against Hispanics and African-Americans, and was imposed with an unconstitutional discriminatory purpose. The Court further holds that SB 14 constitutes an unconstitutional poll tax," Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, an appointee of President Barack Obama, wrote in a 147-page opinion.

The finding of a "discriminatory purpose" could end up being the Justice Department's ticket to victory in this high-profile clash with Texas that stands to impact future elections.

"I think this is quite important, actually. I think the DOJ has the ammunition to bring Texas back under the preclearance requirement," said Bertrall Ross, a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law. "But it all depends in terms of whether this decision is upheld on appeal — whether the 5th Circuit [and possibly the Supreme Court] issue a similar finding with respect to discriminatory purpose."

[riqster]

1. Kick and Rec.

[ashling]

2. GOP over-reach to the rescue!

aided by Abbott's bumbling incompetence

[riqster]

3. Believing their own BS is a tragic flaw.

Thank God they possess that flaw.

[freshwest]

4. Thank you, DOJ!

[Gothmog]

5. Texas needs to be bailed in under Section 3 of the Voting Rights Act

Texas has a long history of discrimination