WWTBAM Bored

The Fifth Circuit just ruled that Texas's recently passed Voter ID law is impermissibly discriminatory. I looked for the opinion itself on the Fifth Circuit Web site but it doesn't appear to be up yet.

This is significant because the Fifth Circuit is one of the most conservative appellate courts in the federal system. It follows a recent ruling (I think by the trial court) that Wisconsin's Voter ID law was also invalid -- Wisconsin is in the Seventh Circuit. --Bob

Upon reconsideration, the District Court has found that the Texas Legislature intended to discriminate against minority voters when it passed its Voter ID law. This finding, if affirmed, will again subject Texas to preclearance requirements under the Voting Rights Act. --Bob