The Pennsylvania State Supreme Court heard arguments September 13 over the GOP-supported voter ID law in the state that would require voters to show a photo ID at the poll, among other items.
The NAACP, which has fought against other state-sponsored voter restriction efforts this year in Texas, Ohio, and Florida, among others, hosted a rally outside of the court to protest the law along with the ACLU and union and church leaders.
"We’re cautiously optimistic that when it’s all over the court will do the right thing," Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, said from Philadelphia during the NOW with Alex Wagner show. "The reality is, this year we’ve seen more laws passed by more states, pushing more voters out of the ballot box than in any year in the past 100 years… it turns back the clock."
Six justices—three Republicans and three Democrats—will decide the fate of the law. If they split along party lines, 3-3, a lower court decision that declined to block the law would stand.
Opponents of the law say it could disenfranchise more than a million Pennsylvanians, while supporters call it a necessary step to prevent fraud.
Michael Perez / AP
Gloria Gilman holds a sign during the NAACP voter ID rally to demonstrate her opposition to Pennsylvania's new voter identification law, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, in Philadelphia.
Michael Perez / AP
Jacqueline Coles, left, and Karmella Sams cheer during the NAACP voter ID rally Thursday, September 13, 2012, in Philadelphia.
Michael Perez / AP
Emily Goldberg and her daughter Willa, 2, holds up a sign during the NAACP voter ID rally to demonstrate the opposition of Pennsylvania's new voter identification law, Thursday, September 13, 2012, in Philadelphia.
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You heard the real reason why this law was passed. I believe the governor said it himself. It is to ensure Romney wins, which means its a power grabbing law, not prevent voter fraud which is small compared to bank fraud, corporate fraud and tax fraud mostly done by those that support REPUBLICANS
Let us hope they don't riot if the act is lawful. Since there are only two major parties and the though is that ID would help the Republicans then reason stands that no ID would help the Democrats
This vile Pennsylvania Voter ID law needs to be overturned in the State Supreme Court. The GOP put into place this law to rig the election and suppress the vote period. This law is an attempt the the ALEC/GOP to push a corporatist agenda for the one percent. Riot or violence may well come about if this law is not overturned. People get angry when their rights get stolen from them so that the one percent can control everything in this country. The right winged idiots are driving this country off of cliff. We have a need for a strong government role partnered with industry so that capitalism works for anyone willing to go to school, go to college, and is willing to work. We need public investments in public schools and communities, job creation, green energy and infrastructure investment all across America. The Chinese and the Indians are going to kick our economic butts and steal all of the new high tech start up companies and good paying jobs will be everywhere else but here. We can not follow the GOP road that leads to only the one percent on top and everyone else all on their own.
What happened to think before you speak,it's no wonder Romney is losing support in the polls
I beleive he did think before he spoke. He stood up for the American people, the military and others serving in these dangerous places: something Obama does not do. Obama apologizes! He wouldn't have done anything if it wasn't for Romney's words. Also, could you please tell Hillary to talk normal! Does she think we are in 1st grade? Why does she talk so slow? Thank God she wasn't elected president!
By the questions asked by the judges, it sounds like the decision may be to delay 2-4 years enacting of the law in order to allow the time for people to become informed and get the paperwork needed to then get the needed ID.
So it would not help the Republicans steal this election (at least on this issue, they have many other voter suppression tricks up their sleeve.) and allows fair time for people to comply with a future law..
Not, what the Republicans want, but it would be a fair decision. Republicans can not try to steal an election, but in time they can get their ID check..
I thought myself that since there is no visible voter id fraud, then although showing ID is not unreasonable on the surface, the short timing to comply and the poor effort to inform the public is unreasonable. You need to spend the time to get people informed, before installing major changes. Spend a few election cycles to check the ID's at the polls and informing the person if what they thought would be good ID is no good, or that they need to get proper ID by such & such a date.
What happened to:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
I can't get excited about polls no matter how accurate they claim to be. I don't really think they're indicative of voter turn out.
I wish one of these true the vote goons challenge me...I am prepared to give them a fitting response...
Melissa, I am not sure you or anyone will read his, but I will try again. We need a grass roots effort in all the areas affected to drive people to the BMV and get their IDs. Set up locations where people can come and get help getting their ID. Obama headquarters could offer this help. We need to fight this fight on many many fronts. One of those fronts is to help people get ids.
I live in Florida and have no problem whatsoever showing my ID before I vote. As a matter of fact, I don't remember ever showing up and not showing my driver's license and signing in. This is the only way to make sure the correct people are elected by true American Citizens.
I don't understand what the big deal is and why the media is making this seem like it is such a burden for minorities. EVERYONE needs to have id, some kind...My mother in law who came from Italy and speaks no english has an identification card since she does not drive. She also has a passport. You guys are making a big deal out of nothing and just flooding the air with nonsence instead of presenting true and correct facts about both candidates so we can make good decisions. I wish you would all cut it out and gives us the facts, not your opinions.
totally agree...what is the BIG DEAL...show a proper ID and then you can vote.
What better definition of TRAITOR than those who corrupt or suppress the VOTE for personal gains? consciousmc.blogspot.com
"Red Herring" O-meter is off the charts! Good try guys...but the American people are smart enough to discern the difference between this non-issue "the man is keeping us down" rhetoric and the serious adult issues that are impacting all of us. We are in this together...stop the divisive tactics...they are really old.