Giambrone comments U.S. Top Court Decision to Decline Block on Texas Voter Identification Law

Washington – The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Texas is allowed to continue enforcing a law that requires voters to show identification at the polls. This has been regarded as a setback for civil rights challengers claiming that the law could prevent a significant number of minorities from casting a ballot in November, and therefore from being able to express their vote in the upcoming presidential election.

The U.S. Supreme Court, refused to instruct a lower-court action allowing Texas to use its voter-ID law despite it being widely criticised , especially during the recent primary election in March.

However, groups challenging the law, including U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D., Texas) and a Hispanic civil rights organisation, maintained the identification requirement should be put on hold as long as the litigation continues, as Texas would soon begin implementing procedures for the November elections.

The law, which dates back to 2011 and was signed by then-Gov. Rick Perry, requires voters to present a state driver’s licence, personal identification card or military identification card, a concealed handgun license, a citizenship certificate or a U.S. passport in order to vote

Giorgio Bianco, Senior Associate at Giambrone commented: “ The Texas ID Voting Law imposes an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote for too many people. Moreover it has a discriminatory effect against Hispanics and African-Americans which cannot be tolerated. The further enforcement of the law may result in a significant amount of people being prevented from voting in the upcoming election in November”.

For more information on how Giambrone handles human rights disputes and litigation please contact us on +44 (0)207 183 9482 or email us at: clientservices@giambronelaw.com