Debbie Riddle

State Representative Debbie Riddle To File Ballot Security Initiative

// May 26th, 2010 // Uncategorized

Representative Debbie Riddle (R- District 150) has announced that she will once again file ballot security legislation that would require Texas voters to show a photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID at a polling place.

Riddle, who filed similar legislation in both 2007 and 2009, said her recent trip to Iraq as an election observer strengthened her resolve to file the bill this November in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

“The Iraqi people risked their lives to cast their vote, they endured extremely stringent identification standards, and not only did they not complain but they were excited to be participating in a democracy,” Riddle said. “It was a reminder to me that the spirit of our own republic is no less alive. I believe the people of Texas value their right to vote, and I believe they will gladly take whatever steps are necessary to protect the integrity of our system.”

Public support for the bill has been high in the past. A 2008 Rasmussen poll showed 88 percent of likely voters backed a Voter ID measure. Riddle thinks that number is even higher today in light of pending investigations regarding voter fraud stemming from the 2008 elections.

“Almost everyone is currently carrying a form of ID that would allow them to vote, and for those that aren’t, the bill would let you get one for free,” Riddle said. “When you weigh that against evidence of widespread voter registration fraud by groups such as ACORN, I think it’s only common sense for us to take our ballot security as seriously as the wrongdoers take voter fraud.”