Dems Criticize Court Ruling Upholding Voter Photo ID Laws

Tue. Apr. 29, 2008


Democratic leaders Tuesday blasted the Supreme Court’s decision Monday to uphold an Indiana law requiring voters to provide photo identification, with Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., calling it “a violation of our voting rights — and a deliberate attack on democracy.”

House Speaker Pelosi, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., and Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., voiced concerns that the law places an unnecessary burden on poor, rural, minority voters.

In their statement, Kilpatrick and Ellison cited a 2005 University of Wisconsin study that found African American and Hispanic young adults were significantly less likely than their white counterparts to have valid photo identification.

House Administration Chairman Robert Brady, who along with California Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Senate Rules Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein filed an amicus brief arguing the inconsistency of the law, also criticized the decision.

“What is most disturbing about the Court’s decision today is the complete lack of any evidence that the legislation serves any purpose other than making it more difficult for some to vote,” Brady said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, by leaving the Indiana voter photo ID law in place, the Supreme Court has not only imperiled the rights of thousands of vulnerable voters with no ready access to photo IDs, but the court has potentially opened the floodgates to new rounds of similar politically motivated voting laws,” said Feinstein.

Pelosi called the decision “disappointing. … Having American citizens pay for underlying documents needed for an identification card and travel to distant motor vehicle locations for processing hinders — and diminishes — their right to vote.”

Republicans contended voter identification laws actually strengthen the voting process by preventing fraud.

“With this ruling, the American people can have renewed faith in their government’s ability to conduct fair and honest elections,” House Minority Leader Boehner said.

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan said “the court recognized the right of states to put in place fair procedures to safeguard the vote, while also ensuring that every person who is entitled to vote can do so.”

However, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Voting Rights Institute Chairwoman Donna Brazile said the case “confirmed the lengths Republicans will go to in their attempts to limit voting rights in order to win elections,” and promised to block similar measures.

by Ashley Johnson

Tue. Apr. 29, 2008