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Supreme Court Leaves Texas Voter ID Law In Place For Now

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The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal to halt the required use of photo ID’s by voters in Texas, but the court said it could revisit the issue as the November elections approach.

The requirement has remained in effect though a trial judge struck down the legislative requirement in 2014 and an appellate judge last year said the requirement discriminates against minority voters.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is scheduled to hear the case in May.

Supreme Court Justices have said they’ll consider another emergency appeal by photo ID opponents if the appeals court hasn’t ruled by July 20. 

Shelley Kofler is Texas Public Radio’s news director. She joined the San Antonio station in December 2014 and leads a growing staff that produces two weekly programs; a daily talk show, news features, reports and online content. Prior to TPR, Shelley served as the managing editor and news director at KERA in Dallas-Fort Worth, and the Austin bureau chief and legislative reporter for North Texas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV.