WASHINGTON (AP) - The new controversial voter ID law in Texas is finally going before a federal court in Washington.

The trial begins Monday and will determine whether Texas can implement its law requiring voters to show photo identification. The state claims the law will prevent voter fraud and is seeking to persuade a three-judge panel to uphold the statute.

But the Justice Department and a slew of intervening groups say the law disproportionately affects minority voters and violates the federal Voting Rights Act. They want it thrown out.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the state’s new law is similar to those in Georgia and Indiana that have withstood legal scrutiny.

The trial is expected to last five days.

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