Supreme court backs voter-ID law

The Supreme Court opened the door Monday to state laws that require voters to show a photo identification before casting a ballot on Election Day.

The 6-3 ruling to uphold Indiana's voter-ID law is a clear victory for Republicans, who have pushed for such laws to combat election fraud, and comes over the objections of Democrats, who say the requirements make it too difficult for some people to vote.

The effect on the 2008 presidential election might be limited, because strict voter-ID laws are in effect in few states — Indiana, Arizona, Georgia and Florida among them. Some states have more lenient rules, such as Washington, while half have no ID requirement on Election Day.

Because Indiana law, which requires specific government-issued identification such as driver's licenses or passports, is generally regarded as the nation's strictest such measure, the ruling bodes well for other states that require photo ID and for states that are considering doing so.

The widely awaited election-year case was the most sharply partisan voting-rights issue the court has considered since Bush v. Gore decided the 2000 presidential election.

Justice John Paul Stevens, speaking for the court, said an election-day requirement that voters confirm their identity is "amply justified by the valid interest in protecting the integrity and reliability of the electoral process."

Washington state requires voters to show proof of identification but not photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license or state ID card, voter-registration card, a utility bill, student ID card, a bank statement or even a paycheck.

Since the presidential election in 2000 resulted in a deadlock in Florida, both parties have fought hard — in state legislatures and in the courts — over election rules.

The Democrats have said states should make it easier and more convenient for residents to register and vote. In many states, residents must register to vote well in advance. They can show up and cast a ballot once a poll worker has confirmed their names and addresses. Some states also require voters to sign the register to verify their identities.

Republicans, arguing that such registration systems are prone to abuse, say photo-ID rules are needed to deter fraud. But they were unable to point to a single instance in Indiana of a person posing as another to cast a ballot.

Voting-rights advocates say the mere existence of such laws could cause many eligible voters to stay home if they do not have an up-to-date driver's license, a passport or a government-issued ID card.

Three liberal justices — David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer — dissented.

Compiled from Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, Washington Post and McClatchy Newspapers reports.