A federal judge has set a September 2014 trial date for a lawsuit seeking to overturn Texas' Voter ID — just ahead of a pivotal general election.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos said Friday the trial will start Sept. 2 in Corpus Christi.
Opponents hope to halt the law before next year's much-watched election. Attorney General Greg Abbott's office is defending the 2011 law, but declined to comment Friday.
It requires Texans to show one of six forms of identification at the polls.
Those challenging the law, including the U.S. Justice Department, say it creates an illegal barrier to poor minorities and people in rural areas voting.
This month's election was the first time the law was enforced. But there isn't enough data to determine its full effect.
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