CAPAC opposes voter ID laws that disenfranchise disadvantaged communities

WASHINGTON, DC—The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) expressed fierce opposition to voter identification legislation that raise significant barriers to voting for minorities and other disadvantaged communities. Rep. Michael Honda, chair of CAPAC, issued the following statement, particularly addressing Texas voter identification legislation, SB 362:

“Voter identification laws have a discriminatory impact on minority communities, new American voters, the poor, elderly, and those with disabilities. Placed into proper historical context, the financial costs involved in obtaining proper documents needed to get a government-issued ID, along with transportation costs and time taken off from work, amount to a modern-day poll tax.

“With respect to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, demands for identification usually stem from perceptions that the voter does not appear to be an American citizen, perceptions that are based on xenophobia and discrimination. The recent comments of Texas State Representative Betty Brown clearly reflect these xenophobic and un-American sentiments. We look forward to a public apology from Rep. Brown for her outrageous proposal that Asian American voters adopt names that are ‘easier for Americans to deal with’ for purposes of identifying names on voter rolls.
“A study by Project Vote noted that Asian American voters in states that required a form of ID were 8.5% less likely to vote compared to Asian American voters in states without voter identification requirements. Research from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) shows that poll workers oftentimes improperly demand identification from Asian American and Pacific Islander voters, particularly language minority voters, even when not required by law.

“These studies give us some insight into the nature of voter identification laws. That is why the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus opposes voter identification legislation such as the Texas bill, as they strike the wrong balance. There is no proof that voter fraud is a significant problem, and data shows a disparate impact on vulnerable populations. In this day and age, I am appalled that there are still those who are working harder to prevent voters from exercising their democratic right than helping to ensure that eligible voter can participate.” [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]