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March 9, 2009: Process to attend Voter ID hearing.

On Tuesday March 10th Senate Bill 362, the voter ID bill will have a public hearing before the "Senate Committee as a Whole".
 
At the present time the state election code under the HAVA act requires voter ID for first time voters, the Dept. of Public Safety when applying for a drivers license or a change of address send changes in for voter registration and the fact that no real voter fraud has been identified or prosecuted, this bill is totally unnecessary.
 
For those who are planning to attend the hearing, it begins in the Senate Chamber at 9 a.m.  If you wish to testify registration will begin at 8 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the capitol in front of the Senate Chamber.
 
There are 3 ways to submit your testimony:
1)  If you wish to talk on the issue have a written page or page and a half to read.  You must also have 40 copies available to give to the clerk. (these are for the committee and the journal).
2)  You may submit your written testimony without actually speaking, and submit your 40 copies to the clerk.
3)  They usually have a form which can be filled out showing that you support/oppose a bill.
 
If you can't make it to Austin, call the office of your State Senator and express your concerns.  Call 1 888 836 8368 (capitol switchboard) and ask for the office of your Senator.
 
For those who do visit in Austin, take the time to visit with the members of the House Elections Committee and let them know you oppose the voter ID bill.  Below are the members and office number:
 
Todd Smith GW.6
Aaron Pena E1.512
Alma Allen E2.722
Rafael Anchia E22.822
Dwayne Bohac E2.904
Betty Brown E1.404
Linda Harper-Brown E2.808
Joe Heflin E1.310
 
Again, we all need to call or write these House Committee members and put the pressure on. Use the phone number above to reach your Representative.
We can kill this bill in the House if we work at it.
 
Please pass this on to everyone.
 
Thanks
Duane Olney, Legislative Advisor
TDCCA