By Tammye Nash Senior Editor
Jan 15, 2009 - 7:51:27 PM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F70.84.212.75%2Fartman%2Fimages%2FdvLogo_headerBG.jpg&hash=1576bca83f776bfd1d2d41ca7d5e6bb9ad60b574) (http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_10453.php)
QuoteBut, Terrell said, the voter ID debate can also have a significant negative impact on the community.
"We got collaterally involved in the voter ID issue last time, and we may do so again, depending on the language used in this version," he said. "Requiring people to present a photo ID to be able to vote sounds all well and good. But the fact is, 10 to 15 percent of Texas voters don't have a photo ID. And last session when this bill was introduced, it included language saying that if the precinct judge at your polling place said your appearance didn't match your ID, then they could exclude you from voting. And that certainly directly affects some of our constituents."
Terrell said an obvious example is that many transgender people have photo IDs that do not accurately represent their gender identity. But even something as minor as someone having dyed their hair could give an election judge reason to deny that person the ability to vote.
"Without some definite standards in place, it could really endanger the ability of our community to vote," he said. "And having anyone be denied their right to vote is a tragedy."