Pennsylvania’s controversial voter ID requirement was blocked Tuesday by the same judge who initially upheld the law this summer. This voting rights victory, though temporary, ensures no one will be disenfranchised on Election Day 2012.
In September, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had sent the case back to the Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson for a finding on whether voters would be disenfranchised if the law were to be implemented for the upcoming election, and he has now found that there would indeed be disenfranchisement.
Yesterday, Simpson preliminarily enjoined the state’s new strict photo ID requirement for the November 6 election. The decision is based primarily on the observation that the Commonwealth no longer has sufficient time to put as many IDs as are needed into the hands of voters between now and Election Day.
Despite this great news, we still encourage Pennsylvanians to bring some type of ID to the polls, just in case.
Some key points:
- Voters may still be asked for an ID at the polling place, as the statute provides, however;
- Eligible voters will be able to vote a regular ballot, regardless of whether she shows identification.
- First-time voters must present some form of ID, as outlined here.
After the election, there will be a full trial on whether to permanently enjoin the law.