Federal panel hears closing arguments in South Carolina voter ID law case

September 28, 2012

Washington, D.C.: Three federal judges heard closing arguments in the South Carolina voter ID law case on Sept. 24. The proposed law would require South Carolina citizens to show a photo ID in order to vote. Opponents, primarily Democrats, argue that it will prevent some minorities from exercising their right to vote. Supporters, mostly Republicans, say that the law will decrease voter fraud. The state is seeking approval for the law so that it can go into effect in November.

The three judges on the panel are:

Brett Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and John Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Christopher Bartomolucci, South Carolina's attorney, explained that if voters were unable to obtain the correct ID, they could still cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted once they bring the required ID to the county election office. Attorney Garrard Beeney, arguing against the law, said that it leaves too much power in the hands of county boards to decide whose votes are counted. He also said that it would add an undue burden to certain voters.

A decision is expected in early October.