"Photo ID Law" affects 500,000 voters in 10 states

"Photo ID Law" affects 500,000 voters in 10 states (Alberta Times) According to the "Photo ID Law" passed in 2003 and implemented in September 2011...

"Photo ID Law" affects 500,000 voters in 10 states (Alberta Times) Under the "Photo ID Law" passed in 2003 and implemented in September 2011, 10 states across the country, including Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, require voters to show government-issued photo ID when voting. A survey of these 10 states found that many voters may face transportation and financial challenges when obtaining ID. The study, published by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, said that in the 10 states surveyed, nearly 500,000 voters who are eligible to vote but do not have IDs do not own cars and live at least 10 miles from the nearest state-issued ID office (only those ID offices with more than two business days per week are considered here). The findings support U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s assertion that the new, tougher restrictions will force some voters, mostly minorities, to travel long distances and find ways to pay for the necessary documentation to obtain ID cards. “We are vigilant and determined in our efforts to protect voting rights and prevent voting fraud,” Holder recently told the NAACP. But let me be clear on this: We will not allow any political excuse to deny American citizens their most precious rights. Tougher voter ID laws in these 10 states have become a central issue ahead of the November presidential election, as opponents argue the laws disproportionately impact African Americans, Hispanics and young voters, key constituents of President Obama's backing. Texas and South Carolina are already suing the U.S. Department of Justice to block implementation of their voter ID laws. Texas' case was heard last week and is being considered by a three-judge panel. South Carolina's case is expected to go to trial in August. According to the Brennan Center, about 10% of eligible voters do not have a government-issued photo ID, including 25% of African Americans who have a state law that accepts non-photo ID for voters.