Controversial PA Voter I.D.Law Focus Of State Supreme Court
By: Andy Mehalshick
Updated: September 13, 2012
Philadelphia--- Six Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday regarding the state's voter I.D. law. It requires all voters to show a valid form of I.D. at polling places. Supporters argue it will help prevent voter fraud but opponents insist it will hurt the elderly, the poor and minorities. Justice Seamus McCaffery said, "If we can all agree there has been no voter fraud and that we can make sure no one is disenfranchised can we agree to wait on this for two Federal elections? Can we agree to make sure everyone has the chance to obtain a photo I.D. then we can proceed with this law? If a person can't get a photo I.D. in two or three years then shame on you!"
A lower court Judge said there was not enough evidence to rule the law was unconstitutional. Protestors gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall as the Justices heard oral arguments. Dawn Hawkins from Philadelphia said, "This is not right. We have worked hard for our right to vote and this is not fair." Rick Pernell from Philadelphia added, "I work the polls and I can tell you I have not seen fraud and the senior citizens will be hurt by this." The Supreme Court Justices did not give any indication as to how long it would take them to make a ruling but time is winding down the election is less than two months away.
A lower court Judge said there was not enough evidence to rule the law was unconstitutional. Protestors gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall as the Justices heard oral arguments. Dawn Hawkins from Philadelphia said, "This is not right. We have worked hard for our right to vote and this is not fair." Rick Pernell from Philadelphia added, "I work the polls and I can tell you I have not seen fraud and the senior citizens will be hurt by this." The Supreme Court Justices did not give any indication as to how long it would take them to make a ruling but time is winding down the election is less than two months away.
