Trial Begins Over Tough Texas Voter ID Law

CORPUS CHRISTI (AP) - The Justice Department goes to federal court in South Texas to seek the dismantling of the Texas voter ID law, which ranks among the most stringent in the nation.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos on Tuesday will hear opening arguments in Corpus Christi in a lawsuit led by minority rights groups and the office of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Similar voter ID laws passed in other conservative states also have been challenged in federal court.

Republican Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation in 2011 that requires more than 13 million registered voters in Texas to show a photo ID before casting a ballot. Opponents say the law is designed to suppress minority turnout and young people who typically vote Democratic.

A ruling isn't expected before the November elections.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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