UPDATE:
The controversial voter ID law was the topic in court against Thursday. The state Supreme Court sent the appeal back down to the lower court.
A Commonwealth Judge heard testimony from both sides on the issue.
The first half of the day was spent with witnesses testifying about the problems that happened when they went to get a photo ID.
Most of the people who testified were from the Philadelphia area and attempted to obtain IDs from the Philadelphia Department of Motor Vehicles in Philly. There were a few from the Pittsburgh area who testified as well.
The problems they spoke about included having to come back multiple times, DMVs not having the proper forms or not having employees trained.
They were also told free IDs were no longer being issued. Those who testified stated they eventually did get an ID but it wasn’t easy.
The Department of State is refusing to comment.
They spent the second half of the day bringing PennDOT and State Department employees to the stand to talk about procedure and training.
The judge will have a decision by October 2 at the latest.
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The voter ID law was back in front of a judge Tuesday. This, as PennDOT announces its easiest way yet to get a photo ID by the election.
This was the first of what will likely be two days of testimony about whether any registered voter who wants one can get a photo ID in time for the November 6 election.
The State Supreme Court sent the issue to lower court to make sure no registered voters would be blocked at the polls because of the new law.
PennDOT leaders testified about the new option for photo ID-less voters. That option let's them get a free voter ID by providing nothing more than their name, social security number, address and date of birth.
Previously proof of address was required, which led to complaints that not everyone could get the PennDOT voter ID. Still, plaintiffs in the case think it's too late, at least for this election.
“We're also hearing about people spending half a day, half a day, trying to get their ID," testified Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President.
The state estimates 10,000 free voter IDs have been given out already.
But the Department of State’s Press Secretary says with the new process anyone can get a photo ID and he believes the issue wasn't as problematic as it is being portrayed.
Testimony is expected to continue through Thursday, the judge says expects a decision before next Tuesday.
The controversial voter ID law was the topic in court against Thursday. The state Supreme Court sent the appeal back down to the lower court.
A Commonwealth Judge heard testimony from both sides on the issue.
The first half of the day was spent with witnesses testifying about the problems that happened when they went to get a photo ID.
Most of the people who testified were from the Philadelphia area and attempted to obtain IDs from the Philadelphia Department of Motor Vehicles in Philly. There were a few from the Pittsburgh area who testified as well.
The problems they spoke about included having to come back multiple times, DMVs not having the proper forms or not having employees trained.
They were also told free IDs were no longer being issued. Those who testified stated they eventually did get an ID but it wasn’t easy.
The Department of State is refusing to comment.
They spent the second half of the day bringing PennDOT and State Department employees to the stand to talk about procedure and training.
The judge will have a decision by October 2 at the latest.
___________________________________________
The voter ID law was back in front of a judge Tuesday. This, as PennDOT announces its easiest way yet to get a photo ID by the election.
This was the first of what will likely be two days of testimony about whether any registered voter who wants one can get a photo ID in time for the November 6 election.
The State Supreme Court sent the issue to lower court to make sure no registered voters would be blocked at the polls because of the new law.
PennDOT leaders testified about the new option for photo ID-less voters. That option let's them get a free voter ID by providing nothing more than their name, social security number, address and date of birth.
Previously proof of address was required, which led to complaints that not everyone could get the PennDOT voter ID. Still, plaintiffs in the case think it's too late, at least for this election.
“We're also hearing about people spending half a day, half a day, trying to get their ID," testified Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President.
The state estimates 10,000 free voter IDs have been given out already.
But the Department of State’s Press Secretary says with the new process anyone can get a photo ID and he believes the issue wasn't as problematic as it is being portrayed.
Testimony is expected to continue through Thursday, the judge says expects a decision before next Tuesday.