Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

House passes Voter ID bill overwhelmingly
Cain: "Bill strengthens the integrity of the ballot box"

AUSTIN (3-23-11)—Tonight, the Texas House of Representatives passed SB 14 by a vote of 101-48.  Rep. Erwin Cain voted in favor.

"This bill strengthens the integrity of the ballot box," said Cain.  "We need identification to cash a  check, open a post office box, or check into a hotel.  It makes sense that we show identification when exercising our most vital civic duty."

SB 14 amends the Texas Election Code to require a voter to present to an election officer at the polling place an acceptable form of photo identification in order to cast a ballot.  Acceptable identification includes a drivers license or personal identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety, a U.S. military card, a U.S. citizenship document with photograph, a U.S. passport, or a state-issued concealed handgun license.  Exceptions to these requirements are made for those 70 years of age or older and who have a disability rating of 50 percent or greater.

Cain added, "Our goal is not only to prevent illegal votes, but also to ensure that legal votes aren't cancelled out."

Attorney and businessman Erwin Cain represents the 3rd District in the Texas House of Representatives.  He serves on the Committee on Government Efficiency and Reform, the Committee on Corrections, and was elected by fellow members to serve on the Republican Policy Committee.