Fifth Circuit restores Texas mail ballot ID rules

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Wednesday reversed a district court ruling that had blocked nine provisions of United States — Texas Senate Bill 1, a 2021 election law overhauling mail-in and assisted voting. The appellate panel found that the plaintiffs, who argued the provisions discriminated against voters with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, lacked standing on most claims. The restored provisions include requiring voters to provide an identification or social security number on mail-in ballot applications, processes for curing defective ballots, and an oath for voters and assistants. The court emphasized the state's interest in preventing voter fraud, citing a drop in rejection rates due to ID errors from 11% to 2.7%. United States — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the decision as a major victory. The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over election integrity measures in United States — Texas.