Perry hinted at overtime session if voter ID law not passed in 2011 regular session

In a February video, Gov. Rick Perry promised to ensure that state lawmakers act on an issue that roiled the 2009 Legislature: whether to require voters to prove their identity at the polls.

Perry, a proponent of such a rule, made the pledge in a video response to this question submitted by the Austin Tea Party Patriots: "How do you intend to lead as governor and encourage the Texas Legislature to avoid last session's stalemate and instead pass a solid Voter ID bill?" The video was posted online July 28, and we spotted it, with help from Perry's office, this week.

Perry began his answer with a caveat: "I don't think a governor ... can force the Legislature to do anything." But later, hinting at his authority to call special sessions, he said, "I guess I might as well put (lawmakers) on notice today: We're going to do voter ID in 2011. We can either do it early, or we can do it late. Their call."

Perry has two clear-cut ways to influence what issues and proposals the Legislature takes up. One is to call a special session, for which he specifies the agenda. Another way is to declare an issue an emergency item for a regular session, which effectively places legislation on the fast track.

Perry did just that on Jan. 20, 2011, making "legislation to require a voter to present proof of identification when voting" an emergency item for the session.

The Texas Senate was debating the voter ID issue as we posted this update.

We rate this promise In the Works.