This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19804500
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
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 cheered by Democrats. | 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? | 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. | 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". | A lawyer representing the plaintiffs described the ruling as a "win". |
Supporters of the measure, passed by a Republican state legislature and Republican governor, said it would help prevent electoral fraud. | |
However, the state government conceded that there has never been a known case of in-person voter fraud. | |
Historically, lower voter turnouts have benefited Republicans in Pennsylvania. | 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. | 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. |
Before the new law was passed, Pennsylvania's first-time voters needed to show a bank statement or utility bill if they did not have photo ID. | |
The new rules would require every voter to show a valid, state-sanctioned photo ID before they could vote. | |
Voters would have to provide two proofs of residency, a birth certificate or citizenship papers, and a valid social security card in order to get the required ID. | |
Pennsylvania, with 20 electoral college votes, has long been seen as a vital swing state in presidential elections. | 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. | 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. | 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. | But such measures have been blocked in Texas and Wisconsin. A court is reviewing South Carolina's law. |