City Council on Thursday approved an amendment to the City code that creates additional requirements for verifying the residency of candidates running for public office.
In addition to living in the state for at least 12 months and within the boundaries of the district individuals seek to represent for at least six months, all applicants must now provide two of the following: valid voter registration certificate, current utility bill, current bank statement, government check, original paycheck, or other government-issued document with name and address.
Councilman John Courage (D9) presented the motion in July after multiple concerns were raised regarding candidates running in the 2017 election cycle. Councilman Manny Pelaez’s (D8) residency in the district was scrutinized during his run, and a lawsuit was filed in the District 9 race after it was discovered that a candidate’s primary residency was in Austin.
“I brought this forward [because] in my particular race for City Council there was a fraudulent application that was put in for someone who wanted to run for the same seat,” Courage said. “Apparently an oath is not reliable enough with some people when they sign a document swearing they live where they do.”
The motion received unanimous support from the Council. It also appeared to receive the support of Jack Finger, a staple figure in Council Chambers best known for decrying the government entity’s many alleged scandals.
Joined @JohnCourageD9 in beefing up proof of residency requirements for people filing for Office. True story: It was followed by a slow clap from Jack M Finger.
— Mayor Ron Nirenberg (@Ron_Nirenberg) November 30, 2017
“I don’t think any of these [new requirements] are beyond a typical person’s ability to produce,” Courage said. “And if this is part of our code and its provided ahead of time … it shouldn’t create any barrier to any legitimate candidate being able to file for any office in the city.”
How out of touch with reality is our council? Several of those things are very seldom used anymore. Most people opt out of having bank statements sent to their home address and just get them online. Don’t most government agencies and private employers do direct deposit now meaning that there are no check payments? What could be included for residency are:
For homeowners, a copy of the Tax Assessor/Collector’s records showing that the claimed address is declared as their homestead.
For renters, two copies (one 6 months prior and one of the latest month) of their online bank statement showing that as their address and including a regular direct deposit to the account for both months.
Copies of online credit card statements from 6 months prior and from the most recent month showing the address.
Copies of online orders to be shipped to that address with it also declared on the order as the same address for the credit card used.
Car license plate registration showing that address.
Etc.
This is an obvious case of RACISM. Making people show additional forms of identification to RULE over the lower classes is not American!
This should not be difficult!
6 month’s is not nearly long enough. Minimum of a year. Should be 2 years.
Even without mailed paper copies, all of these documents are available online and can be printed.
And the penalty for a false application should be how many years in prison? This is serious stuff!