A state judge in Pennsylvania has struck down the state’s new Voter ID law. Commonwealth Court Judge Bernard McGinley ruled that the law, which has already been delayed by the courts and was not implemented in the 2012 election, is unconstitutional. The ruling sets up a key showdown in the state Supreme Court over the controversial law. “Voter ID laws are designed to assure a free and fair election; the Voter ID Law does not further this goal,” McGinley wrote in his decision, adding: “Based on the foregoing, this Court declares the Voter ID Law photo ID provisions and related implementation invalid…”
The law was given a brief trial period this summer, during which opponents say it caused myriad problems and voters were unable to cast ballots because of it.
Many states have passed new Voter ID laws since the 2010 election, when Republicans gained control of the governorship and state legislatures in nearly half the states.
Democrats have long contended that the GOP push for Voter ID laws is aimed at disenfranchising minority voters, who tend to vote overwhelmingly Democratic. Republicans say they are aimed at combating election fraud.
Full Article: Pennsylvania judge strikes down state’s Voter ID law.