AUSTIN – Senate Democrats denounced a Republican-pushed voter ID bill as a modern-day poll tax as they laid the groundwork for a hearing today, where their concerns are certain to be plowed under by the majority.

At issue is whether voters should have to present an identification card that includes a picture before they can vote. Republicans argue that Texans need a picture ID to get on a plane, check out a book and write a check and that it's not too much to use the same kind of precaution when voting.

But the Democratic senators, along with three voting rights experts, argued that a $1.4 million investigation by the Texas attorney general failed to uncover a single case of someone trying to impersonate an eligible voter at the polling place – and that no one in Texas had been charged with such a crime in the past two decades.

"When you look at the record, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have anybody in this state impersonate another voter," said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic leader in the Senate.

Republicans say the bill is basic to protecting the integrity of voting. It's a top priority for several GOP leaders and the state party.

"It's an important issue for the citizens of Texas," said Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston.

Democrats say the bill is most likely to suppress voting among the elderly, disabled and poor who don't drive.

Taking time off work to stand in line and then pay $15 for an ID card is too expensive and will cause some of his constituents to skip voting, said Sen. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston. "All it is is a hidden poll tax," he said.

Today's hearing, in an unusual session in which the entire Senate will serve as a committee, is expected to draw crowds. The state Republican Party is sponsoring a rally in front of the Capitol, and Gov. Rick Perry has sent e-mails to supporters urging them to come. Democrats have urged party members to sign up to testify against the bill.

With the battle lines drawn, the proposal is already causing acrimony and a partisan schism that some believe will taint the remainder of the session.

Republicans, who control the Senate 19-12, muscled through a change in a long-standing Senate tradition to get the bill up for consideration today and are expected to be able to ultimately push it through the Senate, perhaps by the end of the week.

The issue's success in the House, which is divided among 76 Republicans and 74 Democrats, is less certain.