Pennsylvania judge blocks Voter ID law

[Frank M 181]

Guess the Keystone State GOP will have to figure out another way to combat non-existent voter fraud

 

 

Philadelphia (CNN) -- A Pennsylvania judge ruled Tuesday that state officials cannot enforce a new voter identification law in next month's presidential election.

 

The ruling by Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson is expected to be appealed.

 

Supporters argue that the law signed in March by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett will prevent voter fraud and is upheld by the Constitution.

 

Opponents contend that the new law will disenfranchise voters, and any implementation should be postponed until after the November 6 presidential election.

 

The state Supreme Court had given Simpson until Tuesday -- five weeks before the election -- to rule on the matter.

 

Sisters navigate new Pennsylvania voter ID law

 

In his ruling, Simpson granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily halts enforcement of the law until after the election.

 

He cited likely disqualification of eligible voters as the reason.

 

"Consequently, I am not still convinced in my predictive judgment that there will be no voter disenfranchisement arising out of the Commonwealth's implementation of a voter identification requirement for purposes of the upcoming election," Simpson wrote. "Under these circumstances, I am obliged to enter a preliminary injunction."

 

The ruling means the voter ID law could be enforced starting next year. Simpson said he will schedule a further hearing on whether to issue a permanent injunction.

 

Prior to the new law, first-time voters in Pennsylvania were allowed to present documents like bank statements and utility bills in lieu of photo identification. Under the new law, all voters would have to present a valid photo ID -- one that is sanctioned by the state -- before they cast their ballots.

 

To get a photo ID, residents must have a valid Social Security card; an official birth certificate or U.S. citizenship documents; and two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or tax records.

 

New voting measures could deter Latinos, civil rights group says

 

Polls show President Barack Obama leading Republican challenger Mitt Romney in Pennsylvania, which has 20 electoral votes.

 

Critics say the new law is an attempt by Republicans -- who overwhelmingly support the measure -- to gain the advantage in a close election.

 

Corbett said the law "sets a simple and clear standard to protect the integrity of our elections."

 

However, lawyers on both sides admit there are no known cases of in-person voter fraud.

 

Civil rights organizations and attorneys filed a lawsuit in May to overturn the new law. The case made its way to the state Supreme Court, which sent the dispute back to Simpson in the Commonwealth Court.

 

[NorthernVike 2,096]

Great, more legislating from the bench. Focking libturd judge.

[MDC 7,889]

I'm not really opposed to showing your photo ID at the polls in principle but this law is entirely partisan bullsh1t and a lame effort to suppress the vote during an election year.

 

There are two PennDOT photo ID centers in center city Philadelphia. The one (on Delaware Ave.) isn't very accessible by public transit. I pass the other one (at 8th and Race) every day on my way to work and EVERY morning there are lines literally out the door and down the block. I'm sure a majority of these people are either renewing expired licenses or getting licenses for the first time just to vote. So you're asking people who may or may not have transportation and who likely can't afford to take time off work to stand in 2-hour lines at the one accessible center just so they can exercise their right to vote.

 

This is bullsh1t and I'm glad they struck it down.

[pimptastic69 0]

I'm not really opposed to showing your photo ID at the polls in principle but this law is entirely partisan bullsh1t and a lame effort to suppress the vote during an election year.

 

There are two PennDOT photo ID centers in center city Philadelphia. The one (on Delaware Ave.) isn't very accessible by public transit. I pass the other one (at 8th and Race) every day on my way to work and EVERY morning there are lines literally out the door and down the block. I'm sure a majority of these people are either renewing expired licenses or getting licenses for the first time just to vote. So you're asking people who may or may not have transportation and who likely can't afford to take time off work to stand in 2-hour lines at the one accessible center just so they can exercise their right to vote.

 

This is bullsh1t and I'm glad they struck it down.

 

How do you even get through everyday life without a photo ID? This issue comes up every year now, so it's not like you haven't had ample time to get an ID. Just go get a focking ID and make your life easier all the way around.

[Mungwater 601]

Why wouldn't the dipshit dems take to this law? If someone is accusing you of a crime and offers a solution to erase doubt youre committing that crime, why would you fight it unless you actually were doing it?

[TheBlade 3]

I'm not really opposed to showing your photo ID at the polls in principle but this law is entirely partisan bullsh1t and a lame effort to suppress the vote during an election year.

 

There are two PennDOT photo ID centers in center city Philadelphia. The one (on Delaware Ave.) isn't very accessible by public transit. I pass the other one (at 8th and Race) every day on my way to work and EVERY morning there are lines literally out the door and down the block. I'm sure a majority of these people are either renewing expired licenses or getting licenses for the first time just to vote. So you're asking people who may or may not have transportation and who likely can't afford to take time off work to stand in 2-hour lines at the one accessible center just so they can exercise their right to vote.

 

This is bullsh1t and I'm glad they struck it down.

 

I strongly believe that all voters should be required to show ID when voting as a strong deterrent to voter fraud on both sides.

 

That being said, this is the first argument on the other side that I've seen that I agree with. Voters need to show ID, but there also needs to be reasonable access to getting that ID.

[Mungwater 601]

How do you even get through everyday life without a photo ID? This issue comes up every year now, so it's not like you haven't had ample time to get an ID. Just go get a focking ID and make your life easier all the way around.

 

You'd think so, but voting is a right granted in the constitution.

[JTB 52]

I'm not really opposed to showing your photo ID at the polls in principle but this law is entirely partisan bullsh1t and a lame effort to suppress the vote during an election year.

 

There are two PennDOT photo ID centers in center city Philadelphia. The one (on Delaware Ave.) isn't very accessible by public transit. I pass the other one (at 8th and Race) every day on my way to work and EVERY morning there are lines literally out the door and down the block. I'm sure a majority of these people are either renewing expired licenses or getting licenses for the first time just to vote. So you're asking people who may or may not have transportation and who likely can't afford to take time off work to stand in 2-hour lines at the one accessible center just so they can exercise their right to vote.

 

This is bullsh1t and I'm glad they struck it down.

 

 

WRONG - from 19102 zip code these are the closes places that you can go to get a photo id.

Facility Site Distance

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Arch Street

0 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Columbus Blvd.

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Island Avenue

6 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

West Oak Lane

7 Miles

 

PennDOT Exam Center

Lawndale

8 Miles

 

These are the closest to 19106

 

Facility Site Distance

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Arch Street

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Columbus Blvd.

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Island Avenue

6 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

West Oak Lane

8 Miles

 

PennDOT Exam Center

Lawndale

8 Miles

[MDC 7,889]

WRONG - from 19102 zip code these are the closes places that you can go to get a photo id.

Facility Site Distance

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Arch Street

0 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Columbus Blvd.

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Island Avenue

6 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

West Oak Lane

7 Miles

 

PennDOT Exam Center

Lawndale

8 Miles

 

These are the closest to 19106

 

Facility Site Distance

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Arch Street

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Columbus Blvd.

1 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

Island Avenue

6 Miles

 

PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

West Oak Lane

8 Miles

 

PennDOT Exam Center

Lawndale

8 Miles

 

The only one on this list in center city is the Arch Street location and like I said, the line has been out the door and down the block every day of the week.

 

I left work early and went there on a Friday at 3 PM about six months ago to renew my license and they told me the wait would be around 2 hours.

[MDC 7,889]

How do you even get through everyday life without a photo ID? This issue comes up every year now, so it's not like you haven't had ample time to get an ID. Just go get a focking ID and make your life easier all the way around.

 

I have a photo ID. I'm saying that if you're working poor and live / work in the same city, there's probably not much reason to keep a photo ID up to date.

 

I'm not opposed to requiring photo IDs at the polls. My problem is with enacting this during an election year in an effort to keep people from the polls.

[DAVID RUFFIN 2]

9 Florida Counties Report Faked Voter Registration Forms From GOP-Backed Firm

 

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/voter-registration-fraud-gop-backed-firm-spreads/story?id=17370445

[Vikings4ever 568]

You'd think so, but voting is a right granted in the constitution.

So is the right to keep and bear arms.

 

Hasn't stopped governments from requiring ID.

[Mungwater 601]

So is the right to keep and bear arms.

 

Hasn't stopped governments from requiring ID.

 

Good point

[Phurfur 70]

Open Borders for decades and no Voter ID = The Great Society

[NorthernVike 2,096]

9 Florida Counties Report Faked Voter Registration Forms From GOP-Backed Firm

 

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/voter-registration-fraud-gop-backed-firm-spreads/story?id=17370445

This is why everyone should suport this. To keep BOTH sides honest.

[Frank M 181]

So is the right to keep and bear arms.

 

Hasn't stopped governments from requiring ID.

 

Requiring ID for purchasing a dangerous weapon = requiring ID to combat voter fraud that doesn't exist?

 

Great comparison there.

 

[NorthernVike 2,096]

Requiring ID for purchasing a dangerous weapon = requiring ID to combat voter fraud that doesn't exist?

 

Great comparison there.

 

The pen is mightier than the sword.

[phillybear 366]

Voter fraud is committed in Philadelphia very regularly. It's a one party town, but that doesn't mean the union goons don't get the vote fraud out at various polling places. Sure, they stuff the ballet boxes with people who are dead or don't vote. But they also carry around weapons and yell at people arriving to polling places. It's lots of fun. Let's not forget that around half our politicians end up serving time for corruption or racketeering.

 

There are more ID places in this area than you can shake a stick at. Most places have no wait at all. MDC is a moron. He could waddle his fat midget legs more than 2 blocks from his gravity sucking circumference, he'd be in and out in less time than a trannie would go in and out with him.

 

What a country. 10 million people will be forced to buy health insurance against their will because of the Obama Health Care Tax, but you can't force someone to have an ID. We should all be embarrassed.

[Thornton Melon 648]

You'd think so, but voting is a right granted in the constitution.

 

Ummm...no, it isn't, at least not in the US Constitution. Could be in some state constitutions, I suppose.

[Mungwater 601]

Ummm...no, it isn't, at least not in the US Constitution. Could be in some state constitutions, I suppose.

 

On second thought, you're right, I thought it was in the 14th or so amendment.. 19th for women.. Etc.

 

But yeah, I guess it isn't in there.

 

Melon 1 Mung 0

[MDC 7,889]

There are more ID places in this area than you can shake a stick at. Most places have no wait at all. MDC is a moron. He could waddle his fat midget legs more than 2 blocks from his gravity sucking circumference, he'd be in and out in less time than a trannie would go in and out with him.

 

You don't live in center city - you live in the Northeast. I don't know where the photo ID places are there, but there is exactly one in center city Philly at Arch Street.

 

Fat midget legs? You're the diabetic who gets drunk alone every night, right?

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Score one for democracy.

[Recliner Pilot 61]

You have to have a photo ID to collect food stamps and welfare. People seem to get them for that with no issues.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Why wouldn't the dipshit dems take to this law? If someone is accusing you of a crime and offers a solution to erase doubt youre committing that crime, why would you fight it unless you actually were doing it?

 

Please provide a link suggesting that voter fraud is a problem. All studies I've seen suggest that it almost never occurs.

 

With that in mind, why are we making it harder for people to exercise their democratic right to vote? To fix a problem that doesn't even exist?

[Frank M 181]

You have to have a photo ID to collect food stamps and welfare. People seem to get them for that with no issues.

 

As if that has anything to do with anything about the topic.

[JTB 52]

The only one on this list in center city is the Arch Street location and like I said, the line has been out the door and down the block every day of the week.

 

I left work early and went there on a Friday at 3 PM about six months ago to renew my license and they told me the wait would be around 2 hours.

 

 

Less than 7 miles away there are 4 more locations? Voting must be real important. See, I believe it's easier to cry foul (oh poor me the victim) than it is to get off your ass and get a freaking identification.

[Mungwater 601]

Please provide a link suggesting that voter fraud is a problem. All studies I've seen suggest that it almost never occurs.

 

With that in mind, why are we making it harder for people to exercise their democratic right to vote? To fix a problem that doesn't even exist?

 

I think it's harder to prove it occurs because most are undetected. But wouldn't this eliminate any doubt?

[MDC 7,889]

Less than 7 miles away there are 4 more locations? Voting must be real important. See, I believe it's easier to cry foul (oh poor me the victim) than it is to get off your ass and get a freaking identification.

 

As long as you admit that you were wrong and there's really only one center city location readily accessible by mass transit, I don't care what you think about the law or anything else.

[DankNuggs 305]

Why wouldn't the dipshit dems take to this law? If someone is accusing you of a crime and offers a solution to erase doubt youre committing that crime, why would you fight it unless you actually were doing it?

They are dealing with an electorate (low income) that is incredibly lackadaisical about voting.. Historically have voting turnout rates of 50%...

 

They give them Obamaphones and EBT cards, and anything else that can secure a PHYSICAL vote for the democratic regime.

 

Illegal immigrants have access to drivers licenses and SSNs, and from there can get on the voter rolls.

 

 

There is no incentive for them to stop this...

 

Its not about fair, its about power...

[IGotWorms 4,063]

I think it's harder to prove it occurs because most are undetected. But wouldn't this eliminate any doubt?

 

Your hypotheses is ridiculous. You say voter fraud may be a problem, only it can't really be proven so we should just take your word for it. And on that basis restrict people's right to particular in their governance.

 

I think such a stance is inherently undemocratic.

[DankNuggs 305]

As long as you admit that you were wrong and there's really only one center city location readily accessible by mass transit, I don't care what you think about the law or anything else.

Give low income people free ID's... problem solved...

 

If thats all it takes to solve the issue, why are we spending 1.5 billion on smartphones for the poor? small slice of that will get everyone an ID, and remove their right to whine about it.

 

Then they won't vote because they are too lazy again, as opposed to blaming it on whatever other scam they are spewing...

[Frank M 181]

They are dealing with an electorate (low income) that is incredibly lackadaisical about voting.. Historically have voting turnout rates of 50%...

 

They give them Obamaphones and EBT cards, and anything else that can secure a PHYSICAL vote for the democratic regime.

 

Illegal immigrants have access to drivers licenses and SSNs, and from there can get on the voter rolls.

 

 

There is no incentive for them to stop this...

 

Its not about fair, its about power...

 

Absolutely, the Voter ID laws are about the GOP trying to get the power to disenfranchise American voters.

[Frank M 181]

Give low income people free ID's... problem solved...

 

If thats all it takes to solve the issue, why are we spending 1.5 billion on smartphones for the poor? small slice of that will get everyone an ID, and remove their right to whine about it.

 

Then they won't vote because they are too lazy again, as opposed to blaming it on whatever other scam they are spewing...

 

If they're too lazy to vote, why are we worrying about whether or not they have an ID?

[Mungwater 601]

Absolutely, the Voter ID laws are about the GOP trying to get the power to disenfranchise American voters.

 

I bet most voters don't know what disenfranchise means.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Absolutely, the Voter ID laws are about the GOP trying to get the power to disenfranchise American voters.

 

I can't believe so many people are actually OK with this. It makes me sad for our country, and that's not just hyperbole.

[Thornton Melon 648]

I've been voting for 30 years. I'll never forget the first time I voted when I reached for my wallet to show my license to the little old lady checking off voter's names at the polls. She's like, "No dear, you don't need to show me that". I'm thinking "you gotta be sh!ttin' me. How do you know I'm me???"

[JTB 52]

As long as you admit that you were wrong and there's really only one center city location readily accessible by mass transit, I don't care what you think about the law or anything else.

 

 

So center citer Philly is what 1 block in circumference? From your beloved Arch street location one can get the "hard to get" id's at any of these other locations.

 

Columbus Blvd.

1 Miles

 

Island Avenue

6 Miles

 

West Oak Lane

7 Miles

 

Lawndale

8 Miles

 

Are you suggesting it's that diffcult to go to these other locations?

[IGotWorms 4,063]

I've been voting for 30 years. I'll never forget the first time I voted when I reached for my wallet to show my license to the little old lady checking off voter's names at the polls. She's like, "No dear, you don't need to show me that". I'm thinking "you gotta be sh!ttin' me. How do you know I'm me???"

 

And were you voting fraudulently?

[Frank M 181]

Notice how nobody says there is rampant voter fraud necessitating voter ID laws, just people saying "It seems to me to not be a big deal, why shouldn't they show ID?"

 

Great reasoning for preventing Americans from exercising a basic democratic right.

[MDC 7,889]

Give low income people free ID's... problem solved...

 

If thats all it takes to solve the issue, why are we spending 1.5 billion on smartphones for the poor? small slice of that will get everyone an ID, and remove their right to whine about it.

 

Then they won't vote because they are too lazy again, as opposed to blaming it on whatever other scam they are spewing...

 

I think photo IDs are free at PennDOT, although it's been costing the state many millions to keep up with increased demand at ID centers. The money for the ID isn't the big issue. Asking the working poor to essentially take a half day off to wait hours in line at the DMV is the real problem.