Representative Shelton Urges Passage of Voter ID Bill
REPRESENTATIVE MARK SHELTON URGES PASSAGE OF VOTER ID BILL
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2009
Bill would help prevent election fraud by requiring photo identification before voting.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Representative Mark Shelton (R-Fort Worth) today urged passage of House Bill 125, which would require registered voters to present photo identification prior to casting their ballots. “My constituents have told me that they are concerned about election fraud and want our state government to take steps to uphold the integrity of our elections,” said Shelton. “This bill is a common sense approach to ensure integrity of our ballot boxes.”
Under current law, individuals are not required to present photo identification prior to voting. “We are required to show photo identification when boarding a plane to ensure our security,” stated Shelton. “Why wouldn’t we ensure security the same way for our most valued act in a democracy?”
The bill has become a flashpoint between Republicans and Democrats during this legislative session. “I am amazed that this common sense proposal has become so polarized. This is not a partisan issue. This is a Texan issue, and it is important that we as Texans unite to ensure passage of this significant legislation,” said Shelton.
Shelton dismissed criticisms that requiring photo identification would place an undue burden on certain groups of individuals. The bill creates exemptions or alternatives for individuals who are elderly, who reside in a nursing home, or who otherwise do not have and cannot obtain a photo id. Voters who cannot afford a photo identification card can obtain one free of charge from the Department of Public Safety. Alternately, the voter can execute an affidavit during the election process itself.
“The only people this bill will prevent from voting are those who do so illegally,” said Shelton. “We have taken great care to craft appropriate exemptions and alternatives for individuals who are do not have or cannot obtain photo identification.”
House Bill 125 is authored by Rep. Betty Brown. Shelton is one of four joint authors on the bill. The bill has 52 additional co-authors, indicating deep level of support by House members.
Shelton is a pediatrician with Cook Children’s Hospital and represents House District 97, which is located in southwest Tarrant County.
