By Paul J. Weber April 10 2017
Paul Weber reported that a Texas judge ruled Monday April 10th that a 2011 Texas voter ID law was designed to discriminate against minorities. The Judge ruled that Republican lawmakers in Texas established a strict voter ID law with the intent to disadvantage minority voters. Mr. Weber also reported that two months ago another court found that another decision by the Republican controlled Texas legislature to redraw several congressional districts was intentionally drawn to limit the voting power of minority voters. These decisions are significant because they could lead to a requirement that the federal government approve any changes to Texas election laws before such laws are implemented. Mr. Weber noted that the Stated of Texas may appeal this decision.
Mr. Weber may not have been fair or balanced in his reporting. He provides a brief summary of the judge’s ruling, but he does not provide much discussion about the State of Texas’ arguments on the state’s behalf. The rulings are provided in a manner that leads the reader to side with the judge’s ruling that the state is intentionally seeking to limit the power of minority voters. While that may be the case, the author does not devote any discussion in the article to provide the state’s argument.
Joshua Klein
I certainly wouldn't doubt that Texas legislation is trying to limit minority voters, but it would've been nice if more evidence had been provided. I also don't really think Texas' blatant Gerrymandering can be denied- just look at how wonky some of the districts are.
ReplyDeleteJohn Oliver just did a video on that I think. You should check it out.
DeleteI hope that more evidence is provided so that if they are truly trying to systematically disadvantage minorities, then they can be exposed for it.
ReplyDeleteThere's an obvious lack of evidence, but other than that it seems like it could be completely plausible.
ReplyDelete