Federal court rules against states which enact tougher voting ID laws

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
9/4/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Many such laws unjustly discriminate against the poor

With the presidential elections just a few weeks away, some states are enacting tougher voting laws. Some federal courts are knocking down such laws, upon the argument that they are discriminatory, particular against the poor and racial minorities.

Federal courts have struck down three key voting-related efforts in Texas and Ohio. South Carolina has argued its case for a new voter ID law to a federal appeals panel in Washington.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Federal courts have struck down three key voting-related efforts in Texas and Ohio. South Carolina has argued its case for a new voter ID law to a federal appeals panel in Washington.

To date the only new voting requirement to have met with federal approval is one in Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago, authorities ruled that the Keystone State's new voter ID law should apply in November, although the Pennsylvania state Supreme Court will hear an appeal on September 13.

Two voting-related Texas measures were struck down by the feds, including a set of redistricting maps that judges found "discriminatory" against Hispanics and a voter ID law. A separate panel of judges, citing a $22 fee for a state ID imposed "strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor."

A judge in Ohio last week struck down a new rule that allowed only military personnel to vote the weekend before the November election. The court said the law discriminated against the poor and minorities, who historically have taken advantage of the early weekend voting to cast their ballots.

Voting rights advocates said that these recent decisions were a blow against Republican attempts in eight critical states to disenfranchise poor and minority voters by enacting onerous new voting rules in order to up the chances of the Romney-Ryan ticket.

In response, Republicans cited major polls suggesting that Americans are generally more concerned about protecting the legitimacy of the vote than the mere possibility of disenfranchising voters.

"This is actually a national trend, where states are trying to do a better job of securing the integrity of the ballot boxes, and yet courts (are) pushing back against that, seemingly promoting and allowing illegal voters to participate in the election process," Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said. Hundreds of the deceased had been discovered to have voted in the state's recent primary.

The battle over poll security continues to heat up, and could become even uglier as Texas and South Carolina appeal their decisions, possibly putting the Supreme Court in the position to have to make a quick ruling before the election on whether the laws should stand for the November election.

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Keywords: Voting laws, federal judiciary, poor, minorities, election day

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1 - 5 of 5 Comments

Rob
8 months ago
I find it funny that a party who wants the government out of our lives goes to such great lengths to pass these laws when not one of them has been able to make the case of voter fraud. Our secretary of state made some pretty outlandish claims and when pressed almost lost her job. Personally, I have no problem with showing an ID (because those are never fradulent right?), but seems to me that if you are going to pass a law like this, then you had better also pass some provision to ensure all registered voters have them. At least pretend this isn't a stunt to disenfranchise voters. I think Mike Turzai summed up the motivation for these laws pretty good. Anything goes for the power right?
JoAnn
8 months ago
"Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured...but not everyone must prove they are a citizen." Now add this: "Many of those who refuse, or are unable to prove they are citizens, will receive free insurance, paid by those who are forced to buy insurance because they are citizens." Ben Stein Think about it. God bless.
John
8 months ago
Late last month, the majority leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mike Turzai, was addressing a meeting of the Republican State Committee. He must have felt at ease among friends because he spoke a bit too frankly.
Recent developments in Pennsylvania — one of more than a dozen states where voting rights are under siege — should be enough to erase any lingering doubt: The GOP is trying to pull off an unconscionable crime.Late last month, the majority leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mike Turzai, was addressing a meeting of the Republican State Committee. He must have felt at ease among friends because he spoke a bit too frankly.
Ticking off a list of recent accomplishments by the GOP-controlled Legislature, he mentioned the new law forcing voters to show a photo ID at the polls. Said Turzai, with more than a hint of triumph: "Voter ID, which is going to allow Gov. Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania — done." Pretty sad.
Upfront
8 months ago
As an American of Latino background I fail to see how this is discriminatory. I can see them allowing it yet, delaying it's effect till next elections. Otherwise, it seems like a simple logical law.
Patricia
8 months ago
Then why should I have to show Photo ID when I go to the drugstore to buy Sudafed? Are you kidding? We have to show Photo ID in many places, for many reasons. Voting is a very important civic responsibility and it is a privilege and morally, a duty. Could voting in the presidential election by less important than buying a box of Sudafed? Wow, where is the reasoning in this picture?

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