WASHINGTON (AP) — The state of Texas and the Justice Department are beginning their arguments in a trial over Texas' new voter ID law, setting the stage for a legal battle over the federal Voting Rights Act.
Lawyers for Texas are arguing a 2011 law passed by its GOP-dominated Legislature that requires voters to show photo identification does not violate the Act, passed in 1965 to protect minorities' right to vote. The Justice Department — along with other intervening groups supporting the Justice Department's position — says the law disproportionately discriminates against minority voters.
Arguments in the case began Monday. The trial is taking place in a federal court in Washington, after Texas sued the Justice Department, which blocked the voter ID law in March.
Testimony is expected to continue through Friday.
