A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas’ Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021, which requires voters using mail-in ballots to provide a state ID number or partial Social Security number, is constitutional. The three-judge panel unanimously upheld the law, stating it does not violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because it is material to confirming voter eligibility. The decision marks a significant setback for critics who argued the law suppresses voter access.
Judge James Ho, who authored the opinion, emphasized that mail-in ballots are not secure and cited past rulings that have recognized the threat of mail-in ballot fraud. The case, known as Veasey v. Abbott, was initially heard in a district court, which had ruled against the law. However, the appellate panel overturned that decision, aligning with the Third Circuit’s analysis that the materiality provision applies only to determining voter qualification.
Texas’ law was signed in September 2021 following the 2020 presidential election, when several Republican-led states began implementing stricter voting regulations. The legislation also limits local control of elections by prohibiting counties from offering expanded voting options. This has drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue the law disproportionately affects minority and low-income voters.
Additionally, the Fifth Circuit has previously allowed for the tightening of voter rules, such as requiring mail-in ballots to arrive by Election Day. The court’s decision reinforces Texas’ stance on election integrity and aligns with broader conservative efforts to reform voting procedures following the 2020 election.