Voter ID Case Goes Back to Commonwealth Court
The state’s highest court issued a ruling today, which sends the controversial Voter ID case back to Commonwealth Court for further investigation. The seven page order indicates that photo ID requirements are, in fact, constitutional but the question remains implementation.
The Supreme Court cites an aggressive timetable and an implementation process that’s been anything but seamless in its call for the Commonwealth Court to assess the availability of alternate identification cards for those without a PennDOT ID or the papers needed to obtain one.
Upon the assessment, Commonwealth Court must decide whether voter disenfranchisement exists. If it does, the lower court will called upon to issue a temporary injunction. If not, the law will stand. The high court has set an October 2nd deadline for that decision.
Two justices issued dissenting opinions. Justice Debra McCloskey Todd says the structure and timing of the law will disenfranchise voters. Justice Seamus McCaffery contends the reason for implementing the new requirement so quickly is purely political.
A Department of State spokesman tells Radio PA that any voter who wants an ID for voting purposes will be able to get one. “We’re pleased to provide what we believe will be supporting information to that effect.”
