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Relating to acceptable forms of identification for voting.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 160 would create a provision allowing valid identification card issued by an institution of higher education in this state to be considered an acceptable form of identification for voting. The identification card must contain a photograph, full legal name, and a date of expiration that has not expired or that expired no earlier than four years before the date of presentation to be considered valid.
Texas Action opposes HB 160 because it infringes on the individual liberty and limited government principles by weakening the integrity of Texas elections. Student IDs are routinely given to foreign exchange students, theoretically giving non-citizens the ability to vote in US elections in the event HB 160 were to pass. Student IDs are also easier to forge than other forms of approved voter ID such as a driver's license. Allowing student IDs, including ones which expired 4 years ago no less, to become an acceptable form of voter ID opens Texas up to increased voter fraud.
Texas voters already have five valid forms of voter identification from which to choose, they do not need a sixth, especially not one with so much risk for voter fraud attached to it.