HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania judge isn't stopping a tough new voter identification law from going into effect.
Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson on Wednesday refused to grant an injunction that would have halted the law requiring each voter to show a valid photo ID. Opponents are expected to file a prompt appeal to the state Supreme Court as the Nov. 6 presidential election looms.
The law is the subject of a furious debate over voting rights. People challenging it include some who say they'll be unable to vote.
Democrats say the law will make it harder for the elderly, minorities, poor and young adults to vote, and is designed to help Republican challenger Mitt Romney beat Democratic President Barack Obama.
Republicans who control the Legislature and the governor's office say they think it'll prevent voter fraud.
Democratic Reply:
House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody commented on today’s Commonwealth Court decision to allow Pennsylvania’s voter ID law to take effect this fall:
“I’m extremely disappointed in today’s ruling, which will deny thousands of eligible Pennsylvania voters their constitutional right to vote.
“Today’s ruling is a travesty not just for those Pennsylvanians whose right to vote will be stripped away by this law but for all Pennsylvanians and all American citizens. A threat to one person’s right to vote is a threat to us all.
“I sincerely hope the Supreme Court will right this terrible wrong and will overturn this decision in time for the November elections. The commonwealth’s highest court should see what the rest of the nation so plainly does – that this law is a scam.
“We must remain vigilant, continue to fight and make the case that the right to vote is not just our most sacred as Americans but also our most fragile. We cannot allow partisan gamesmanship to trump American citizenship.”
Republican reply:
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following statement regarding the Commonwealth Court’s decision to uphold Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID legislation, which will be fully implemented prior to the November election:
“Today is an important day for voters in the state of Pennsylvania as the Commonwealth Court’s ruling protects the integrity of our electoral process at every level – city, state and federal. I applaud the Commonwealth Court for displaying courage and conviction in this ruling. With sensational headlines and half-truths about this legislation being touted by partisan critics, we are fortunate that the Commonwealth Court realized that the sanctity of our elections was at stake – and took appropriate action to protect a cherished right.
“The fear-mongering that has played out in recent weeks has been unconscionable and with this ruling, the will of the people is upheld. As evidenced by the Washington Post polling, Americans are overwhelmingly in favor of this law. Truly, it is time to move forward. The Commonwealth Court rightfully recognized that this law is not about the outcome of a single election or limiting voter participation. Rather, it is about ensuring that all votes that are properly cast are counted. Voter disenfranchisement is only a risk if we don’t turn our attention and efforts toward helping every voter in Pennsylvania comply with this new law. Regardless of partisan affiliation, the time for scare tactics and bickering is now over.
“Electoral integrity does not come from one piece of legislation and we must all continue to work together – Republicans and Democrats – to ensure that we protect this civic right. Voter ID, which has been passed by numerous states beyond Pennsylvania, is just one way in which we can do this. I am pleased that the Commonwealth Court recognized this law for what it is – commonsense reform to ensure that every voter and every vote is protected.”
Governor Corbett, Secretary of Commonwealth response:
Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following response to the Commonwealth Court ruling on voter identification:
“Now that the court has upheld the constitutionality of the law, we can continue to focus our attention on ensuring that every Pennsylvania citizen who wants to vote has the identification necessary to make sure their vote counts.’’
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele, whose department oversees elections in Pennsylvania, also issued a statement:
“I am pleased Judge Simpson affirmed the constitutionality of the voter ID law. This law will reinforce the principle of one person, one vote. By giving us a reliable way to verify the identity of each voter, the voter ID law will enhance confidence in our elections.
“We will continue our outreach efforts to make sure all legal Pennsylvania voters know about the law, and know how to get a free ID to vote if needed.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn
Pennsylvania Democrats are committed to protecting Pennsylvanians' right to vote, and we will continue to educate voters about the new ID requirements and the process to acquire an appropriate ID to ensure that all eligible voters can get to the polls and exercise their right to vote in November. For months, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party has implemented programs designed to ensure Pennsylvanians have the proper identification and we will continue our work as the legal process unfolds.