Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says criticism surrounding the state's first election under a new voter ID mandate is "overhyped" and being driven by partisans.
Abbott told The Associated Press on Monday that requiring some voters to sign affidavits was proven to be "no big deal" during early voting.
Democrats and opponents of the law have expressed concern that voters could be turned away or disenfranchised if the names on their ID and voter rolls don't exactly match. Poll workers are having voters sign affidavits if there are slight differences.
Abbott says he voted Thursday and also signed an affidavit because the name on his license and the one on voter rolls didn't exactly match.
Abbott's likely Democratic gubernatorial opponent, Wendy Davis, the state senator,was voting early in Fort Worthwhen poll workers made her sign an affidavit to verify her identity. A growing list of women have had problems voting under the new photo ID law. Former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright was denied a voter ID card over the weekend, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
Election Day is Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the more notable items on the ballot:
- Nine state constitutional amendmentsinclude Prop. 6 to create a $2 billion water fund.
- Dallas ISD’s District 8 school board race, which could tip the balance for the superintendent.
- The Plano school district’s proposed 13-cent property tax increase.
- Fort Worth ISD’s $489.9 million in school bonds,which would add 3 cents to property tax rates. One proposition would expand pre-kindergarten throughout the district.
- Arlington voters will decide whether to allow liquor sales, including at Rangers Ballpark.
We've compiled this report based on reporting from The Associated Press.
