Texas 1 step from voter ID law

AUSTIN - State senators voted 19-12 along party lines to require identification to be shown at election polls.

State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, spearheaded the move and the measure was set to be voted on in the 150-member state House.

Critics of the voter ID legislation said there is no evidence of voter fraud and the law would have an undue impact on minorities and the elderly, who they say could not afford special identification to vote.

Ellis County’s senate representative, Sen. Kip Averitt, R-McGregor, voted with the Republican majority.