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Judge blocks Pennsylvania voter ID law before election Judge blocks Pennsylvania voter ID law before election
(35 minutes later)
A judge in the US state of Pennsylvania has stopped new ID requirements for voters from taking effect before November's presidential election.A judge in the US state of Pennsylvania has stopped new ID requirements for voters from taking effect before November's presidential election.
The ruling, which says voters do not need valid photo ID to cast a ballot, is likely to be welcomed by Democrats. href="http://www.pacourts.us/NR/rdonlyres/CFBF4323-B964-4846-8179-88D689375C10/0/CMWSuppDetAppPrelInjOrder_100212.pdf" >The ruling, which says voters do not need valid photo ID to cast a ballot, is likely to be cheered by Democrats.
Pennsylvania, a key swing state, has been leaning towards President Barack Obama in opinion polls.Pennsylvania, a key swing state, has been leaning towards President Barack Obama in opinion polls.
Laws such as the one halted in Pennsylvania have triggered a debate over voting rights in several states.Laws such as the one halted in Pennsylvania have triggered a debate over voting rights in several states.
The case could be pursued in Pennsylvania's supreme court, although it is unclear if any appeal would be heard before election day.The case could be pursued in Pennsylvania's supreme court, although it is unclear if any appeal would be heard before election day.
Tuesday's decision comes after two days of testimony on the state's efforts to make it easier to obtain the identification. Election impact?
Opponents of the law, including members of the Democratic Party, have argued that it would make it harder for people - especially the elderly and minorities - to vote.
A lawyer representing the plaintiffs described the ruling as a "win".
But supporters of the measure, passed by a Republican state legislature and Republican governor, said it would help prevent electoral fraud.
Historically, lower voter turnouts have benefited Republicans in Pennsylvania.
Tuesday's decision comes after two days of testimony last week on the state's efforts to make it easier to obtain the identification.
The court heard long queues and poorly informed staff at driving licence centres would complicate voter efforts to get the required documentation.The court heard long queues and poorly informed staff at driving licence centres would complicate voter efforts to get the required documentation.
Pennsylvania, with 20 electoral college votes, has long been seen as a vital swing state in presidential elections.
Correspondents say the dispute over its voter ID law has taken on a high profile amid a tight White House race.
Similar laws have been passed and upheld by courts in the states of Indiana, Georgia and New Hampshire.
But such measures have been blocked in Texas and Wisconsin. A court is reviewing South Carolina's law.