Judge rules against Pennsylvania Voter ID law

October 3, 2012

Pennsylvania: On Oct. 2, Judge Robert Simpson of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, ruled that the state's Voter ID law could not go into effect in this year's election. Though Simpson had ruled in favor of the law in August, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stepped in the following month, instructing the lower court to reconsider.

The ruling hinged on citizens' ability to obtain the necessary ID cards prior to the election. With the Nov. 6 election date looming, Simpson decided that election authorities had not done enough to make sure everyone had access to the necessary ID. Pennsylvania voters will not be required to present a state-approved ID in order to vote this year.

Supporters of the law say that it combats voter fraud. Opponents say it disenfranchises certain voting groups such as minorities and the poor, who are statistically less likely to have the necessary photo ID. Because of the groups which the Voter ID law is likely to impact on election day, it is seen as a partisan issue, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.

Similar laws have been contested across the nation this year. To read more about Judgepedia's coverage of this issue, see:

• Federal panel hears closing arguments in South Carolina voter ID law case, September 28, 2012
• Wisconsin Voter ID law will not be in effect for fall elections, July 18, 2012
• Missouri judge rejects Voter ID Law proposal, March 29, 2012
• Voter ID law struck down in Texas, March 15, 2012
• Injunctions bar enforcement of voter ID law in April election, March 12, 2012
• North Carolina Governor vetoes voter ID bill, June 28, 2011