Former San Antonio mayor gets turned away at the early voting polls

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – If you plan to vote in the runoff election, make sure you have a photo ID. There are no exceptions, even if you’re one of the best known, well-respected and beloved former mayors of San Antonio.

Ninety-seven-year-old Lila Cockrell was turned away when she tried to vote this week. She had a voter registration card, but no authorized photo ID.

“I don’t drive anymore and I haven’t gone on a cruise or traveled extensively for several years,” Cockrell told KTSA News, explaining why she didn’t have a Texas driver’s license or current passport.

“I consider myself a loyal American citizen, just trying to do my duty,” said Cockrell, San Antonio’s first female mayor. She held the city’s top elected office from 1975 to 1981, and again from 1989 to 1991.

A  theatre downtown bears her name. She’s recognized all over town, and poll workers knew who she was, but she didn’t have authorized identification. Even without a photo ID, she could have signed a special form, a reasonable impediment declaration stating that she can’t obtain an ID, but you need to present a utility bill or bank statement.

Cockrell told KTSA News she now has a Texas Election ID Certificate and was hoping to vote Friday.

“I just try to laugh off incidents like this and not get overly concerned, so life goes on,” said Cockrell.