The reform was approved 19-12 along strict party lines in the …
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Updated: Wednesday, 18 Mar 2009, 2:43 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 18 Mar 2009, 2:41 PM CDT
AUSTIN (AP) - The state Senate approved a controversial voter ID bill that now faces a far less certain future in the Texas House . The bill approved Wednesday would require Texans to produce a valid photo ID or two alternatives before being allowed to cast a ballot.
The reform passed on the same 19-to-12 vote that came with preliminary approval this week. The vote follows strict party lines in the Republican-led Senate. Under the bill, a valid photo ID includes a current driver's license, military ID and concealed weapons permit.
Voters without a photo ID could still cast a regular ballot by presenting two alternative forms of ID, including a voter registration certificate, government-issued mail, utility bills and bank statements.