Gonzalez Works to Ensure No Texan is Disenfranchised this Election

San Antonio, Texas – Yesterday, Congressman Charlie Gonzalez sent a letter to Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade following a report that some voters were improperly asked to show photo ID to cast a ballot, a requirement struck down in federal court in August. Rep. Gonzalez urged the Secretary and the chief election officials in every county in the state to ensure that poll workers understand the law and that voters’ rights are protected.

“If you have your signed voter registration certificate, no other form of identification is needed,” said Rep. Gonzalez, "If you are registered to vote but don't have your signed voter registration card with you, then you can still vote by showing any of the following[i]:”

• A driver’s license or personal identification card issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety. You may also bring a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, even if the license or card has expired;
• A form of identification that contains your photograph and establishes your identity;
• A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person’s identity;
• Your United States citizenship papers;
• Your United States passport;
• Official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity; or

• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

“With less than one week to go before Election Day, it is disconcerting that there have been reports of poll workers incorrectly advising voters on the requirements to vote,” said Rep. Gonzalez, “Every eligible voter in Texas needs to know that the voter photo identification law was rejected by the courts and other forms of identification are still valid. The constitutionally protected right to vote is too important to allow misunderstanding or misinformation to keep any Texan from voting.”

Click here for a copy of the letter sent to Texas Secretary of State Andrade.

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Contact: Drew Stout

 (202) 714-7259