WASHINGTON (AP) — An expert testifying for the state of Texas says new voter identification requirements would not affect voter turnout.
Daron Shaw, a University of Texas professor and political science expert, told a federal court in Washington on Wednesday that there's also no evidence a 2011 law passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature would disproportionately impact one race over another.
Lawyers for the Justice Department and other intervening groups are seeking to discredit Shaw's testimony, noting methodological concerns and that he worked for both of President George W. Bush's presidential campaigns.
A federal court is hearing arguments about Texas' controversial voter ID law, which has yet to be implemented. The Justice Department blocked the measure in March under the federal Voting Rights Act, but Texas sued bringing the two sides to Washington.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.