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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. |
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. |
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. |