The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund applauds the Department of Justice’s ruling on the state of Texas’ application for re-clearance of its voter identification law:
“The thorough review conducted by the Department of Justice demonstrated that Latino voters would be disproportionately affected by the proposed voter identification law. According to data supplied from the state of Texas, registered Latino voters are at least 46.5%, and potentially 120%, more likely than their non-Latino counterparts to lack the required identification to vote. We know that these types of restrictive voter identification laws also discriminate against other under-represented voting groups, including low-income, elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“Despite its claims, the state of Texas has failed to produce any credible evidence that the kind of rampant voter fraud the law purports to address exists. With the election only months away, now is not the time to weaken the foundation of our nation’s democracy by instituting restrictive requirements that would limit the ability of Latinos and other underrepresented voters to have their voices heard on Election Day.
“The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights afforded to citizens by the U.S. Constitution. The Department of Justice’s ruling sends a clear message to states throughout the nation—unfair voter identification restrictions that aim to violate the rights of Latino voters and others will not stand. As we approach November, we will continue to work with the Department of Justice to ensure that the voting rights of all Latinos are protected and upheld.”
The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation's leading non-profit organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.