U.S. Supreme Court Says It Could Take Action if 5th Circuit Does Not Rule in Texas Voter ID Case Soon

WASHINGTON –  The U.S. Supreme Court today issued an order indicating it would be willing to take action to protect voters in Texas in time for the 2016 presidential election, if the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals fails to issue a ruling by July 20, 2016.

“We’re very encouraged that the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes the time constraints involved in this case,” said Gerry Hebert, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center. “We believe the 5th Circuit has set up a schedule that may well foreclose the ability to obtain relief in time for the presidential election. This order gives us the opportunity to protect Texas voters if the 5th Circuit fails to rule in time.”

The Campaign Legal Center filed an application with the U.S. Supreme Court on March 25, calling for immediate action in the Texas voter ID case, Veasey v. Abbott. Seven federal judges have ruled that Texas’ voter ID law discriminates against minority voters, but the law is still in effect due to the 5th Circuit’s stay of the decision. 

Oral argument in the en banc 5th Circuit is scheduled for May 24, 2016.