Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Statement on Federal Court Ruling on Texas’ Voter ID Law



 

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling related to Texas’ Voter ID law:

“As joint author of Texas Voter ID law, I strongly disagree with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which rejected a portion of that law. Texas’ Voter ID law was passed by the legislature with the intent of preserving the integrity of the voting process. There was never any intention of preventing anyone from voting who is legally qualified to do so. It was designed to make sure that every vote that is cast is done so lawfully.

“In fact, during the most recent legislative session, Senate Bill 983, by Senator Paul Bettencourt, was passed by the Senate and signed into law by the Governor, allowing any citizen seeking a voter ID to obtain a free birth certificate. Texas law is intended to protect the right to vote, as well as preserve voters’ confidence in our election system, regardless of race, ethnicity or socio-economic status.”