The State of Texas received a temporary victory when the Supreme Court announced they are not blocking Texas’ photo ID law. Considered one of the most restrictive in the country, the court stated they will reconsider their decision on or after July 20 depending on whether the Federal Fifth Circuit has ruled on the appeal before their court.
The Supreme Court’s brieft order stated, “The court recognizes the time constraints the parties confront in light of the scheduled elections in November 2016.”
The NAACP and other voter advocacy organizations argue that this law discriminates against minority voters. They also contend that when a federal court struck down the law in 2014 and an appeals court agreed last year, this law should be blocked.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Texas enacted a common-sense law to provide simple protections to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process in our state,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “We appreciate the Supreme Court allowing the law to remain in effect at this time and look forward to defending the merits of our case in front of the entire Fifth Circuit next month.”
