The conflict over the Voter ID bill has escalated into a power struggle over the control of the Legislature's agenda.
Republicans first moved to consider Voter ID ahead of other bills, apparently in an attempt to force a vote in order for Democrats to be able to get to other items on their agenda. Now Democrats seem to have called the Republican's bluff by engaging in a process called chubbing, which is a type of filibuster which allows for debate on normally non-controversial measures as a way to run the clock on and on.
Democrats apparently see Voter ID as such a threat to turnout in future elections that they are willing to put other issues of to the side to defeat it. I saw reference to a study, which I was unable to locate, that burden placed on poor voters by the requirement could cost an average of 1000 votes in each district.
Here are related stories:
- Analysis: Voter ID fight is a power struggle over Texas House agenda
- House Democrats pull out delaying tactics
- Democrats' tactics take down voter ID bill in Texas House
- Standoff on voter ID bill tests House Speaker Joe Straus' leadership
