PA judge narrowly blocks part of voter ID law

For now

Published October 2, 2012 3:17PM (EDT)

A judge in Pennsylvania narrowly blocked the part of the state's voter ID law that would have required voters to present a photo ID within six days of election day.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

"Simpson decided that the law does not disenfranchise voters simply because it requires poll workers to ask for photo ID. Rather, the risk comes when a voter casts a provisional ballot but then cannot obtain the necessary identification in time.

As a result, Simpson decided that for the November 6 election only, voters without appropriate photo ID could vote, but would no longer have to produce identification within six days, as their votes would be counted."

The narrow ruling will likely be appealed.

“We are very glad voters will not be turned away from the polls this November if they do not have an ID,” said Judith Browne Dianis, Co-Director of the Advancement Project, which sued to block the law. “The evidence made it clear to the judge that this law would indeed disenfranchise voters and that the Commonwealth was not equipped to implement it fairly right now.”


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2012 Elections Pennsylvania Republicans Voter Fraud Voter Id