I'm not referring to the photo ID presented at the polling place (which is not proof of citizenship, but of identity), but the normal voter registration process used by the state (which typically has other identity and residency requirements) and is then verified by photo ID.
EDIT: The terminology with Voter ID can be imprecise and confusing, and I admit I used "voter id" where I meant the registration and voting procedure.
Looking at the requirements for Texas (since they've been screaming about it quite loudly) you are required to provide the following documents for voter registration:
On the application, you must provide:
Your TX driver’s license number.
A personal identification number from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
OR
Your Social Security number.
As I non-citizen, I still have a SSN, so that's not a problem. Further on they have this:
If you DO NOT have one of these numbers, you will be required to show proof of identification at the polls. They then go on to list the appropriate documents -
Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS
United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States passport
I can't speak with certainty about Texas. But the normal process would be that if you had a non-citizen driver's license and lacked a SSN (or the SSN was for a non-citizen), it would not be acceptable for voter registration. (This could certainly be verified after the fact, as well, if the state wished).
The list of "appropriate documents" are in-person (Voter ID) requirements, which would have required registering with the SSN or driver's license, as you mentioned.
EDIT: The terminology with Voter ID can be imprecise and confusing, and I admit I used "voter id" where I meant the registration and voting procedure.