Gagging on more voter ID craziness

[Melissa G]

:puke:

March 2, 2009 4:00 PM
DETAILS ON SENATE CONSIDERATION OF THE VOTER ID BILL

Senate likely to commit two whole days to bill

The Senate’s committee of the whole next week will hear the fractious bill that would require voters to show photo identification before they’d be allowed to cast ballots, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said after this afternoon’s short floor session.

The bill could come up for an actual vote in the chamber on St. Patrick’s Day.

The legislation, backed heavily by most Republican officeholders, is considered an anathema to Democrats who fear that minority turnout would be suppressed because some might believe the requirement would have the effect of intimidating voters. Dewhurst rejected such assertions.

“I won’t let a bill out the Senate that disenfranchises anyone,” the second-term Republican told reporters as he confirmed the scheduled March 10 committee-of-the-whole hearing.


Click on Daily Buzz www.quorumreport.com

[tbyg52]

1. I'm so sick of these people.

They can't get us paper ballots, oh no. But they are all over this non-issue.

[sonias]

2. Yep that March Madness is upon us

But the really crazed kind!

And on a related note, there will be a screening and education forum this coming Saturday March 7th for Austin.

"Stop Voter Suppression Rally", Educational Forum and Film

What: Join legislators and our coalition of organizations against Voter ID (Voter Suppression Legislation) for a rally, educational forum, and film explaining why we need to oppose Voter ID (Photo ID) legislation and how we’ll win this fight. Every eligible Texan deserves the right to vote. For the last three Legislative Sessions, numerous advocates and Legislators have fought legislation that would have disenfranchised many eligible voters in Texas if it was passed into law. The 81st Session will be the toughest fight yet, but we can win this if we pull together! Join us to help preserve democracy and prevent disenfranchising Texans.

When: Sat., March 7th, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Where: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto (we have the inside main room).

Cost: FREE

We're hopeful that many locally elected officials can join us, as well as other elected officials from across the state. Please let me know any questions. We need everyone to come out and help on this. We can stop this voter suppression if we all pull together on Saturday!

We expect Rep. Eddie Rodriquez and Austin City Council member Mike Martinez and other elected officials to attend. Many local organizations such as the Gray Panthers, the ACLU and others will be represented. Stay tuned for additional details. Please invite everyone you know. This is likely the most important issue during the 81st Legislative Session.

Please share this invite with your email lists, post to your website, and hand it out as a flier to everyone you know. Thank you for your help!

David Kobierowski

Texans Against Voter Suppression Legislation Member
512-249-0716

Oh by the way the film is a very short 20 minutes and you can see the preview here:
/aclu.tv/vote

:kick:


Sonia

[tbyg52]

3. Hey, I actually have that Saturday off!

Don't know if I also have the energy to drive to Austin, but a miracle could happen.

If it does, how is the parking at Scholz Garten? (I've been to other "famous" places in Austin where the parking was a 3-ring circus.)

[sonias]

4. Parking is horrible during the week but weekend not so bad

All parking meters around the place (street parking) are free.

There is also a very large state lot about 2 blocks away that's usually available and free. That's the lot that's on MLK and Speedway right across from the Bob Bullock museum. MLK is also 19th.

This map shows that lot marked as "A". The museum parking lot, which is under the museum, charges $8, but the surface lot is free if you can find a space.
http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/pdfs/tshmbusmap.pdf

The state lots that are right next to Scholz charge money.

Sonia

[tbyg52]

5. Thank you!

I don't even mind paying. The place I was thinking about that I referred to as a 3-ring circus, you couldn't get a parking space for love *or* money.

[sonias]

6. No more football games

That's the kind of tailgating type of event that would take over all parking within a mile radius.

I don't see anything huge this weekend. It's even pre-SxSW so that shouldn't be a problem either.


Sonia

[sonias]

7. Senate debate starts on March 10th 9:00 a.m.

n/t

Sonia

[Melissa G]

8. Thanks, Sonia! probably see ya there! n/t

[sonias]

9. You probably just want to sign a card against the bill

The bill is SB362 by Fraser.

If you provide written testimony, they want 40 copies of it.

:hi:

Sonia