Pennsylvania’s much-debated and long-sidelined voter-identification law is getting its day in court. The legislation, requiring people to show a valid form of identification to vote, will head to Commonwealth Court on Monday, where the justices will explore its constitutional legitimacy. Supporters of the law say they are trying to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. Opponents say the law seeks to suppress the votes of the poor and members of minority groups, who are less likely to have the needed ID. “This law is discriminatory. It’s time for the court to throw it out and be done with it, once and for all,” says John Jordan, director of civic engagement for the Pennsylvania NAACP.
Ann Womble, chairwoman of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County, said the law will prevent fraud at the ballot box. “I think my counterparts in other parties should agree that the integrity of the process is a very legitimate concern that we should all uphold,” she said. “This would ensure the one-person, one-vote concept.”
Jordan and members of other organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters and others, will rally against the law at the state Capitol today. They will protest from 1 to 3 p.m. to bring awareness to the issue.
Jacqueline Burch, executive director of the Lancaster County Office of Aging, said she will be watching closely.
AARP officials have pointed to a study of the state’s database of voters who may lack valid state-issued ID. It shows that those older than age 65 are more likely than any other age group to be caught without identification.
Full Article: Voter-ID law to be debated in court – News.