Story highlights The U.S. Department of Transportation has just launched an investigation into Alabama

The case revolves around the closing of Department of Motor Vehicle offices and whether that discriminates against African-Americans

Washington (CNN) The U.S. Department of Transportation has just launched an investigation into whether Alabama is discriminating against African-American residents after announcing plans to shut down or reduce service at 34 state drivers license offices.

Voting rights advocates say the move will disenfranchise lower income, African-American voters in rural communities who wish to vote. Alabama Gov. Bob Bentley dismissed the investigation as politically motivated.

In 2014, Alabama passed a law requiring valid photo ID in order to vote at the polls.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says his agency is specifically looking into whether the closures violate the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin on programs and activities receiving federal assistance.

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