Pennsylvania judge allows Voter ID law to take effect
August 15, 2012
Pennsylvania: Judge Robert Simpson will allow Pennsylvania's Voter ID law to take effect, denying an injunction in the Commonwealth Court. The injunction was requested by opponents of the law who are seeking to have its constitutionality verified. The law was passed in the Pennsylvania General Assembly earlier this year and signed by Governor Tom Corbett in March. The composition of the legislature played a major factor in adopting the law, since every Democrat voted against it.[1]
Critics of the law accuse politicians of vote suppression, claiming that it will prevent minorities, the poor and college students from voting. The case was argued by the American Civil Liberties Union, which intends to appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. With the suspension of Justice Joan Orie Melvin, however, the court currently has six members. Three identify as Republicans, while three are Democrats.[2]
Supporters of the law claim that it is needed to prevent fraudulent voting, though during the case before Judge Simpson no examples of such voting were given.[1]
Voter ID laws have been a prevalent issue in state legislatures this year. To read more about Judgepedia's coverage of the issue, see:
- 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
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