Fifth Circuit Rules Texas’ Election Integrity Law Complies with Federal Standards, Citing Voter Fraud Concerns

August 5, 2025


AUSTIN, Texas — A federal appeals court delivered a significant victory to Texas on Monday, upholding a state law requiring voters to include identification numbers on mail-in ballots, rejecting a challenge from the Biden administration and civil rights groups. The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinforces Texas’ Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021, known as SB1, which mandates that voters provide a state ID number or partial Social Security number when applying for and submitting mail-in ballots.

The ruling reverses a lower district court’s decision that had struck down the ID requirement, with the appeals court finding that the provision does not violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Judge James Ho, writing for the panel, emphasized the state’s interest in combating voter fraud, stating, “Mail-in ballots are not secure,” and that “mail-in ballot fraud is a significant threat.” He argued that the ID number requirement is “obviously designed to confirm that each mail-in ballot voter is precisely who he claims he is,” making it material to verifying voter eligibility under federal law.

The Biden administration, alongside groups like the League of Women Voters, had argued that the law could disenfranchise eligible voters by rejecting ballots due to minor errors or mismatches in ID numbers, particularly impacting voters with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited English proficiency. They cited evidence that Texas’ voter registration database contained errors, leading to tens of thousands of ballot rejections since SB1’s enactment. However, the Fifth Circuit dismissed these concerns, aligning with Texas’ position that states have “considerable discretion” in addressing voter integrity.

“This ruling is a clear victory for secure elections and for all Texas voters,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in a statement. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a defendant in the lawsuit, also praised the decision, calling it a critical step in safeguarding the state’s elections.

The decision comes amid broader tensions over voting laws in Texas, with the Fifth Circuit recently upholding other restrictive measures, such as requiring mail-in ballots to arrive by Election Day. Critics, including voting rights advocates, argue that SB1 disproportionately affects marginalized groups and limits local election flexibility, such as banning expanded voting options like 24-hour voting and drive-thru centers.

The case, U.S. v. Paxton, saw intervention from multiple Republican organizations, including the RNC and the Harris County Republican Party, underscoring the partisan stakes in the ongoing battle over election laws. While the Biden administration and civil rights groups may appeal the ruling, the Fifth Circuit’s conservative leanings have consistently favored stricter voting regulations, setting a high bar for future challenges.

As Texas prepares for the 2026 midterms, the upheld voter ID law is likely to remain a flashpoint in the national debate over election integrity versus voter access. For now, Texas voters using mail-in ballots must ensure their ID numbers match state records to have their votes counted.