While most Texans are focused on the economy and their families, Todd Smith has taken on the role of a Tom Delay – style political hit man whose highest priority is grabbing political power while ignoring those who may be harmed by his actions.
“…the best thing that could possibly happen would be for this legislation to be narrowly defeated, so Republican candidates could go into these marginal (could go either way) districts and blame Democrats”
– Todd Smith stating his partisan intentions
(Austin American Statesman, March 16, 2009)
Who gets hurt by Todd Smith?
Independent studies show that those least likely to have a photo ID are senior citizens, college students, low income voters and women.
Senior Citizens – In 2006, a study by the nonpartisan Brennan Center found that 18% of seniors 65 and over do not have a driver’s license or a photo ID.
(Source: Brennan Center for Justice, New York School of Law. November 2006)
College Students – A Wisconsin study found that 97% of all students did not have their current address on their photo ID
(Source: Employment and Training Institute, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee: June 2005. May 10, 2006)
Women – Women are more than twice as likely as men not to have a drivers’ license.
(Source: Federal Highway Administration. “Licensed drivers, by State, sex, and age group.” July 24, 2006)
Who is against Todd Smith’s Partisan plan?
Nonpartisan public interest organizations, nonpartisan experts and the editorial boards of every major Texas newspaper oppose Todd Smith’s partisan Republican Voter ID agenda. They recognize that voter impersonation at the polls – the only kind of fraud a Voter Photo ID law could possibly address – is virtually non-existent in Texas and does not address any current voting irregularities
- American Association of Retired Persons – Texas (AARP)
- The League of Women Voters of Texas
- Every Major Texas Newspaper
