Michael Perez / AP
In a decision being cheered by voting-rights advocates, a judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Pennsylvania's controversial voter ID law.
Judge Robert Simpson ruled that poll workers can ask voters for ID, but they cannot turn away voters who do not have one. Nor can such voters be forced to cast a provisional ballot.
The ruling did not strike down the law, it merely ensured that the law won't be in effect for this fall's election.
“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 of the Advancement Project, which helped bring the case, in a statement.
Wendy Weiser of the Brennan Center for Justice was more effusive. “Today’s decision is a clear victory for Pennsylvania voters and the cause of voting rights across the country," Weiser said in a statement.
State election officials had last week made modifications to the law in an effort to convince the judge not to block it. But Simpson wrote: “I cannot conclude the proposed changes cure the deficiency in liberal access [to ID's] identified by the Supreme Court.”
But despite the victory, some concerns remain. Voting-rights advocates expressed dissatisfaction that poll workers will still be allowed to ask for ID, potentially causing confusion. “This injunction serves as a mere Band-Aid for law’s inherent problems, not an effective remedy,” said Penda Hair of the Advancement Project.
And some said the state's $5 million ad campaign informing voters that they'll need ID has already sown confusion. "It's our hope that the state will revise its public education," Benjamin Geffen, a lawyer with the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, another group that helped bring the case, told Lean Forward.
Some Republican supporters of the law claimed a partial victory, citing the fact that, as it stands, the law will be in effect for future elections. "It's still a victory for election integrity, because ultimately every voter will need to have a photo ID," Steve Miskin, a spokesman for State Rep. Mike Turzai, told Lean Forward. Turzai provoked anger among voting rights supporters when he told a group of fellow Republicans in June that the law would "allow" Mitt Romney to win Pennsylvania this fall.
The legal fight may still not be over. The judge's ruling can be appealed to the state's Supreme Court.
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Before States can impose voter ID restrictions, they must first issue said ID to all its citizens of 18 years old, and provide said ID to each citizen thereafter who attains 18 years of age in that state. This ID will be valid ID for voter purposes only and will not be used or required for any reason other than ID at polling places for the purpose of voting in any election.
All States issue DL's or ID's already. It is not the State's responsibility to drag everyone in to get either, it is a privilige that Citizens should enjoy.
The truth is that what prevents many from having their official State supplied ID is that they either have an outstanding warrant for arrest, they aren't citizens or they don't care. People with these kinds of issues are the ones who will trade their vote for a sack of groceries or even a six pack. I know the Dims need these to win, but they do.
In Texas the Democrats had Duval County, which in the JFK-LBJ election had over 100% voting attendance, yes more than lived in the county, and they ALL voted for Democrats.... That was really amazing. I remember Democrats stealing elections and I will fight anyone else doing it again.
You are so blind. It's not just "ID", it's a certain type of "ID" and you know it. You arew also so blind as to believe all the BS about "only Dems".... You also left out the cost. It isn't free State ID $65.00 plus what ever to obtain the reqired documents. $67.00 for a birth certificate. $35.00 for replacement SS card. $65.00 for Driver license. But hell, any old bag of grocieries will work.
larry - I agree with you. In Hawaii, what we are doing is getting our drivers licenses or state ID first. to do this we now have to present either a birth certificate and Social Security card or another id that required this such as a passport.This was not done for elections, but due to regulations passed under the "Patriot Act" which most states have not complied with. Also, those of us have to show the above requirements when renewing our drivers licenses the next time. If all states were to do this, most voter ID laws would be a moot point. Since we don't have a federal ID this should have to do.
Texas- All states? You don't have a clue do you? If you are so gung ho on id's then everyone turning 18 should automatically get and id...But that wouldn't solve your problem would it seeing that you don't want "everyone" to be able to vote.. Pathetic!
Here is a major point that conservatives who back Voter ID don't like talking about: any cost to the voter involved in getting documents such as birth certificate, marriage licenses, etc typically cost $20 or more to a "free" state issue ID is called a poll tax. Poll taxes are unconstitutional under the 24th Amendment to the Constitution. The 1965 Voter's Rights Act also strictly makes it illegal to make any hassle or undue burden for citizens to vote including poll taxes are unconstitutional. I have posted countless links showing the 24th Amendment and the 1965 Voter's rights Act. If you are stupid conservative who does not understand the word UNCONSTITUTIONAL than go look these two items up in any almanac, encyclopedia, wikipedia, or do a google search then look for a law school website. Any political science, history, or law student could have told you these Voter ID laws were highly suspect because of the 1965 Voter's Rights act and the 24th Amendment. Maybe this is too much intellectual work for a conservative.
Nearly all states have some form of identification verification during registration for new voters. A utility bill or an official letter with your name and address on it usually sufficed. Also election officials from both parties know lots about their communities and the people on those voter lists. Anything that looked unusual would quickly be looked into with judges representing both parties. Nosy election judges have a way of holding down election fraud. The number of cases of voter fraud are essentially non-existent. So I guess LBJ had this whole thing correct back in 1965. LBJ was right then and he still is today.
So, show us where all these "illegals" have voted. And also show us where anybody has said there shouldn't be ID required. Then show us why these states are waiting intil just before a National election to start their BS. And then show us where the costs surrounding this "documentation" is legal. Can't show us. No surprise there.
It is as if Liberals believe any one in the United States should be able to vote, regardless of where they came from, how they got here, or if they are citizens. I was always under the impression voting was reserved for US Citizens. How do states validate citizenship for the purposes of voting without a form of ID that requires citizenship validation at the time of issue?
2ez4u2c,
That is not what anyone believes. You need a birth certificate to get just a drivers licence. No one ever wanted anyone but US citizens to vote.
Don't be ridiculous.
India. That's all he knows how to be.
Check your in box.
India, Many states do not require any form of ID. Some of those states are attempting to require ID's. Democrats are fighting those efforts tooth and nail. How does a state without an ID requirement verify and validate the voter's citizenship? Absent some type of citizenship validation and verification, any one can register and vote, including non-citizens such as Resident Foreign Nations and Illegal Aliens. It is a reasonable conclusion to believe Democrats fighting these voter ID efforts want the door open for non-citizens to vote.
India, By the way the Democrats in California just passed legislation allowing Illegal Aliens to receive Driver's Licenses, right before the election. Do you see that as simply a coincidence? It is important to understand a Driver's License is an authorized form of ID for the Polls in California.
So Here is the deal.... You are all for disenfranchising peoples right to get on airliners, opening bank accounts, buying guns, buying booze, going to the Doctor, picking up a Prescription, buying tobacco, checking into a hotel, getting a hunting and or fishing license, buying cold and allergy meds, driving a car.
But not for Voting??? We all know the deal, if Obama can't steal it, He can't Win It. I think that's something we all can agree on.
"By the way the Democrats in California just passed legislation allowing Illegal Aliens to receive Driver's Licenses"
LIE! 1st wrong thing Illegal Aliens? they from Orak or some place?
you need to do some research, and bet you will say you live there. LOL
oh they have been given drivers licenses to Canadians for years.
but don't let spreading pure BS stop you. LOL
crash, I happen to live in San Diego, California. "SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Some undocumented immigrants could get California drivers licenses under a bill that Gov. Jerry Brown announced he signed into law late Sunday."
"AB2189 by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, will let the Department of Motor Vehicles issue licenses to undocumented immigrants eligible for work permits under a new Obama administration policy. The bill requires the department to accept as proof of legal residence whatever document the federal government provides to participants in its deferred action program."
Resident Foiegen Nationals (a legal term for FN's living here lawfully) have always been able to get Driver's Licenses, it doesn't matter if the are from Mexico or Canada.
As for your opinion of what a "Alien" is, it doesn't matter to the Federal Government. "
Definition of Resident Alien
Resident aliens generally are taxed on their worldwide income, similar to U.S. citizens.
To be classified as a resident alien, the individual must meet one of two tests:
1. Green Card Test
A non-resident alien is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. at any time if they have been given the privilege, according to the immigration laws, of residing permanently as an immigrant. This status usually exists if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued a green card.
2. Substantial Presence Test
A non-resident alien is classified as a resident alien for tax purposes if they were physically present in the U.S. for 31 days during the current year and 183 days during a three-year period that includes the current year and the two years immediately before that.
Maybe you think the Federal Government is hosting creatures from Mars?
In the State of PA, all you had to do was walk into a PennDOT office and sign a piece of paper attesting to your identification and that you can not pay for an ID. At that point, you would be given a picture ID with your name on it.
So much for the Rex's claim that it costs money or that you have to have a birth certificate in order to get an ID.
Most of these states started the process well in advance of this election, it is the Democrats who have waited until the last minute to try and make a political football out of it.
just saying...
Looks like the Republicans have lost Pennsylvania!
I just heard the breaking news and I am simply thrilled, and surprised! This is a great day for PA, and once again I am proud to live in the commonwealth.
You rule, Robert Simpson! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
you know ---india<<>>im happy too,but it should not come down to that! this Robert Bimpson only did what i went across the water to fight for other countrys to do that AND that is to-------VOTE (we as a country go all over the world preaching (the right and the freedom to VOTE) and we as a nation come to this Conspiracy on voting rights in this nation------------------SHAME
I've been thinking about that also. We "preach" and fight for other nations to gain democracy, while trying to take it away at home. I've also thought, other nations look at our "democracy" and say "No Way". They're crazy.
TRUE-----TRUE------TRUE
I had the same thoughts too about how high and mighty we preach to the Muslim world and 3rd world nations about how wonderful America is. Then back here at home, we allow conservatives to try and swindle black and Hispanic voters out of their right to vote. I can remember plenty of black and Hispanic soldier serving beside me doing the same jobs I did for 20 years. Shame on anyone who wants to take another American's right to vote away. Voter turnout should be celebrated by both parties.
If you lose an election somewhere you have to improve your business plan, get a better candidate, run on better issues, and talk to more voter's about what needs to get done so you compete to win next time. Competition for votes means the public should get good government out of our system. Also this type of competition will promote a more pragmatic and centrist approach to our politics. Radicals hide behind special interest money. This is why we need to listen to Nancy Pelosi when she says we need to get special interest money out of our election system by public financing all of our elections. Nancy Pelosi has this one right.
this special interest and tax breaks is why this country is at a stand still.this goverment must change it ways of the ways it treat its people-------------than a small part of the people change laws behind the country back when we are not watching to keep the large part from voting-------------it all in the master plan for the country
Gjelly, You are so right, and God bless you for serving the country.
I left something on your avatar page.
india-------i dont know how to get to my avatar page
Just click on your avatar in the post box.
GJelly (The realChris help me out here) put your mouse on your avatar (the helmet) and click once on it. It will take you there. To get back to this page click on the arrow at the top left.
Someone make sure I told him right before he does it.
I am fairly new at this myself.
The realChris or Thankful, help me out here.
Gjelly, wait till they chime in before trying what I said. OK? I am not sure if your arrow is where mine is.
That's right.
Thanks, I am never sure!
Great moment of sanity!!!! About time this decision was made.
one small judgement for PA but one giant leap for all American Voters!
"sorry Neil"
Good one pilot! :)
A-men, Pilotshark and honeysugarbabe!!
I am absolutely thrilled. As a resident of PA, I thank Robert Simpson so much!
Ohio, now get in line behind FL!
Every VOTE does count Poor,rich,black,white etc Its the people who make up this country and ITS OUR VOICE THAT SHOULD BE HEARD ABOVE ALL!! We people the people pay the Rep.&Dem. to take care of us!
Wow, this is really important.
The Liberals will take their country back and the rights can just keep cheating, telling lies and generally make fools of themselves.
The only voter suppression in this country is on the right. That is why they yell for ID.
Another step in the right direction. :-)
This is great! Although I do think that by allowing poll workers to continue to ask for ID, that this will confuse some voters and by doing so cause them to turn to walk away and should this happen it will be up to the person at the polls to inform the voter of the ruling and that's big gamble in certain places.
Don't worry, sugar, it will flood the PA and local news! People will know.
Honey and India, Obama will be at the polls with free phones and other goodies. They will find out and show up and vote, and you will be warm and fuzzy all over. You will get the government you deserve.
Another lie from the right. You appearantely forgot to read the issues posted on that the other evening. Maybe some insight. That program was started under your GWB. And it was started because to get employment one MUST have a phone contact #. But hell, you don't believe the truth any way so why bother. You're here to bad mouth, spread your hate and lies and that's it. Well scarbotough, you have no credibility so go back back to Fox Lies, they're miising one of their troll idiots and are calling for you.
Texas doesn't give a damn what the facts are. He's a propagandist who comes here to start trouble.
Texas - that being a government for the people unlike the republican plan that cares for only the rich. Yeah I like the democrat plan it is democratic!
this what Im talking about<<>> this TEX guy!! the goverment we get will be voted in by the people..,,if we the people can stop them the people from rigging the vote this conspiracy goes to the top of the gop<<>>.that how these gop took over the country- we got too stay on guard all the time
When President Obama and Democrats win in November, we will will have the opportunity to build the kind of America that can compete for jobs in the 21st century global economy. President Obama's agenda is not some kind of "socialism." President Obama's agenda is forming a partnership between government and business for making capitalism work for all Americans on Main Street and not just the one percent on Wall Street.
I hope he's learned to ignore the Republicans. We don't need a repeat of the last 4 years.
Gjelly,
My husband, who also served this country, in the Air Force, says this will be a bigger victory for Obama than people think. I didn't believe him a few months ago, but I do now. Yes, and about the GOP Congress, especially we need to get rid the rat from VA, Cantor. He is one bad person, Gjelly, as you well know.
Once they're all routed from our Congress, Obama will be able to get some helpful jobs bills passed in the House. We'll get this economy going! People have awakened to what the T-Party members of the House have been doing to obstruct the recovery.
i still dont how to go to my avatar page-----------INDIA
GJelly, See my post, above #2.10, and also The RealChris's.
gjelly. Just click on your avatar on your post. That will take you there. To get back, just click the "page back" arroe in the upper left corner. Hope this helps.
Remember that time when Obama said He was going to 'FOCUS' lke a laser beam on JOBS??? Remember that???
Remember that time 2008-2010 when the Democrats ruled in all three branches of the Government??? Remember that??
Remember that time when Obama said GWB was committing TREASON because of his deficit spending??? Remember that??
Remember that time when OBAMA rescued Wall Street Fat Cats, but threw the Bond Holders of GM (Pention Funds) under the bus?? Remember that??
I REMEMBER and I will tell you now, the Tea Party remembers and is alive and well, they have thrown out bunches of bad democrats and republicans. We aren't finished, we will throw more out this time, including Obama. The pumping by NBC, CNN, CBS and NYT etc.. will not deter the Tea Party from voting, they will come in mass and VOTE.
Remember that!!!
Delusion
A delusion is a belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary.[1] Unlikehallucinations, delusions are always pathological (the result of an illness or illness process).[1] As a pathology, it is distinct from a belief based on false or incomplete information, confabulation, dogma, illusion, or other effects of perception.
Delusions typically occur in the context of neurological or mental illness, although they are not tied to any particular disease and have been found to occur in the context of many pathological states (both physical and mental). However, they are of particular diagnostic importance in psychotic disorders including schizophrenia,paraphrenia, manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression.
im in VA------------ we must still work to get Obama some help in congress,,so he can move the country foward for all people<<>>> im been beening working hard my self by--------calling on the phone and out with the kids knocking on doors <<>>SO COME ON-----let get busy<<<<<> call somebody or make sure grandmom and pop mail in their vote if they can not get to the polls make sure you talk to your neighbors
A win for the good guys. Now if they will do things the right way for all citizens then the law would not be a problem but as usual the Republicans tried to put a round peg in a square hole and guess what the comment guarantee a win for Romney became a BUST. I still wonder why the lower court judge did not see or understand that but one can only guess he was on the wrong person's payroll.
@ Texas - PA does issue voter ID cards to people when they register or change their address. However, these ID cards do not have a photo or an expiration date as required by the new law. Most ID's that are issued in PA do not have an expiration date. These include PA college IDs and even state worker ID cards. If one of the state supreme court justices wanted to vote using his state ID he could not do so.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57524290/judge-halts-pa.s-strict-new-voter-id-law/?tag=re1.channel
Fox News is telling it's bubble dwellers that Florida requires a picture ID to vote. That's a LIE!! Don't let THEM stop you from casting a provisional vote. Rick Scoitt is trying to suppress our right to vote DON'T LET HIM WIN!!
PA has not had a single case of voter fraud prosecuted in at least the last 10 years...Our GOP governor was state AG for 8 years previous to winning the teabagger sweep of PA in 2010. One of the TOP republicans in our state legislature stated on video that the desired purpose of the law was to ensure that Romney won in PA by denying huge numbers of Democrats the right to vote. The governor will certainly appeal this decision, but I do not think the law will be reinstated in time for the November election.
The republican party hates our constitution-they are anti-american, period.
mark
mark1947, IMO, some of their actions border on treason. The right to vote is the foundation of a Democracy. It is of the utmost importance.
We must keep fighting for that!
Rex, #1.5 LBJ was right about most things, and absolutely right about this particular thing.
dem4romney34, #12:
No. that isn't what it means at all. It means you voter suppressionists lost this one. That's what it means.
I dont know how much a congressman get paid ----but,<<>>they only worked 12 days in congress in months of aug-sept------------How can the economy do any growing with that kind working on the job --we people have got to wake up<<<>>>not just this year but every year and im talking about VOTING__________That how that tea party got a foot hold in our goverment
Gjelly, you can go to anyone's avatar page by clicking on their avatar, not just yours.
gjelly. They get paid $192K plus benies. Plus "office" budgets that are around $3million/year. Lifetime penssions after one term.
Hey Folks, think about this: Since this is a FEDERAL election the Feds should establish the rules, ID, and so on. Then it would be applied in a consistent manner everywhere. The way it is now, state by state, it is a mess and always will be. Write a letter to your Congressman/woman and spread this idea around. Harping and writing here won't do much to set this issue straight. Remember, 500,000 votes were stolen in the Gore/Bush race. Thousands of votes were tossed by an election workers whim in one state, or so I read. This is another nonsensical problem Congress should have corrected LONG ago.
I have seen 3 different stories on this decision so far. If this one mentioned above is correct, then I am relieved, but not thrilled. I am relieved in that the timeline for the NOV election would indeed have prevented many from voting. amongst those who would not have had this right would have been our elderly residents of nursing homes, or other sheltered facilities. Some of them are veterans or mothers of veterans , or gold Star mothers. How could we deny them their precious right to vote? Others that would be denied are minorities or students who do not have a dated college ID. Still others would be our commuters who do not have valid driver's licenses. These are good people. How can we deny them their right to vote? The extended timeline seems more fair t accomplish this awesome task. If you have worked in government, you know how long it takes for the wheels of government to move...Maybe we are reaching the point whereupon birth we receive a unified ID card..
What happened to my earlier comment??
Since the Pres election is Federal, the Feds should handle the ID situation. That way the rules would be applied in a systematic manner, and any inferference with any election should be a Federal offense. That would put a stop to all the nonsense in the best way. As long as we allow the states to handle the voting, it is going to continue to be a problem. Too bad both parties aren't HONEST enough so we wouldn't have to worry about stolen votes. 500, 000 votes were stolen in the Gore -Bush election, so the 'Supreme Court' GAVE the Presidency to you know who.
wayne, #16 is there.
Wayne if it is tagged as a reply it will stay where you put it. If it is alone, it will be a floater....no offence.
The PA decision is a great victory. However, I am still concerned about the intimidation tactics by groups such as True the Vote. Every voter, in every state, should have the FBI's number handy in case they are harassed. Voter intimidation is a FEDERAL CRIME. Don't let them get away with it.
I thought Judges were supposed to make the laws clear for everybody but instead we are seeing that all they do is make interpretation of the law more complicated.
All the judge did was say the voter law could NOT take effect for this election. He left it open for further review later.
I agree with Rex in Minnesota, and also add that it's also a violation of the due process provision to establish a category of citizens which will be discriminated against, namely current voters who do not have required documents, are not able to comply with a new Voter ID Law, due to unemployment, not owning a vehicle, versus that class of voters who can afford to comply with a new Voter ID Law. As Rex stated, being forced to pay in order to vote is clearly a poll tax, and 'undue burden' is also a violation of Civil Rights Act of 1964. To comply, all 31 new state Voter ID laws must be changed to waive all document fees when documents are being obtained for the purpose of being able to vote.
In PA, ID's are available free of charge to anyone who says they can not afford one. Maybe you should read the law before you make comments or agree with Rex who has not read the law in PA. Repeating the liberal talking points without doing your own research is risky...
just saying...
I want to see the GOP get famous as the Party that passed these Voter ID fraud-prevention laws by now explaining to the world their crime of also becoming the perpetrators of mass voter-fraud in US history, by hiring a known fraudulent contractor to manage RNC voter registration in 7 swing states, who proceeded to train and require his hired voter registration workers to destroy the ballots of Democrat registrants. RNC just cancelled GOP voter registration in these states as a consequence - this is NEWS - see Rachael Maddow-09/01
All Our Votes Must Count -- but only one per living person, please. If I have to show a valid ID to get on an airplane, I see no hardship in showing one to vote. There are lots of elderly and minorities who fly the same airlines I do. Somehow they manage to get through.
And may I add, there is no state where a voter ID law has been passed that does not have some provision for someone voting who has trouble getting such an ID. This is just a trumped up issue. ACORN on steroids.
WRONG.
This is a small step for voting rights, however those thugs "true the vote" are still out there to intimidate and challenge voters. If you are in OH or Penn or Va, and you happen to witness them in the polls, call the police and FBI . Take pictures too. WE must confront them. Let the koch bros. thug intimidation patrol know , Koch can' t BUY or STEAL this election. Some of these thugs are being transported from Texas to the polls and some have been accepted as " poll watchers". PLEASE be aware and help people to VOTE.
Also, we have to vote straight Democratic all the way down the ticket to get these state legislators OUT. Look up PBS Bill Moyers special on ALEC. It is chilling. The rethugs , t-party thugs are out to STEAL the government from the bottom ( through the states) up! This is how all these voter ID laws have been snuck through the states government.