Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Nation & World


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

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...

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.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Nation & World headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

A Bing deal for Microsoft, News Corp.?

Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate Web price war

6.8-magnitude quake rattles Tonga

8 charged in probe of terrorism-recruiting network in U.S.

Hate crimes against gays, religious groups up, FBI says

Advertising

Video

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.

PNW Magazine | Easy As Pie
Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle

Marketplace

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

nwautos

Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattlenew
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising