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Injunction Issued Against Georgia's Voter ID Law

by TChris

As TalkLeft reported here, state and federal judges restrained the implementation of successive versions of Georgia's voter ID law. The first version, nullified by the federal judge, was a transparent effort to impose a poll tax designed to make it more burdensome for poor people to vote. The second version, restrained by the state judge, continued to burden disadvantaged voters. The state judge (predictably labeled an "activist" by Republicans because he actively followed the law) yesterday transformed his temporary restraining order into a permanent injunction.

"Nowhere in the Constitution is the legislature authorized to deny a registered voter the right to vote on any other ground, including a possession of a photo ID," he wrote.

These pesky constitutions have a way of foiling Republican plans to achieve a government that will be permanently controlled by Republicans. It's back to the drawing board for Republicans in the Georgia legislature, who will undoubtedly try to cook up another law to disenfranchise voters who might not vote for Republicans.

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    The primary problem I have with this voter ID legislation is the fact that it purports to be intended to prevent voter fraud, yet it completely ignores the paper trail issue. Unfortunately, that leads me to conclude that those supporting this voter ID bill are simply pushing legislation that they feel would be beneficial to Republican candidates on two fronts. One, it may suppress Democratic voter turnout and it is also being spun as a means to "strengthen border security and crack down on illegal immigration"...a position the GOP feels will benefit them in November. Read more here: www.thoughttheater.com

    Re: Injunction Issued Against Georgia's Voter ID L (none / 0) (#2)
    by jarober on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 04:20:28 PM EST
    A poll tax? Did the judge - or TL - read this?
    Georgia law now provides for the issuance of a free identification card to citizens over age eighteen (18) who are registered voters. In order to be eligible for a free identification card, the voter must have no acceptable proof of identity to use when voting. These free identification cards are issued at all Customer Service Centers and are valid for ten (10) years.
    Free. Hmm, yeah, that's a lot like a poll tax. Except for the monetary or burden parts.

    TChris: Do you have any anectdotal evidence anywhere that shows requiring an id to vote is an hinderance to any person? I had to have a seperate id in order to get a library card for our local library. Where is the uproar over that?

    why are you in favor of voter fraud? how does requiring simple identification favor republicans? do democrats not posess id? electric bills? afdc cards? anything?

    Re: Injunction Issued Against Georgia's Voter ID L (none / 0) (#5)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Sep 21, 2006 at 06:44:41 AM EST
    The judge said:
    "Nowhere in the Constitution is the legislature authorized to deny a registered voter the right to vote on any other ground, including a possession of a photo ID," he wrote.
    I wonder if the judge has ever read the Constitution?
    The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.


    Re: Injunction Issued Against Georgia's Voter ID L (none / 0) (#6)
    by roy on Thu Sep 21, 2006 at 06:57:52 AM EST
    Jim, Wrong Constitution. Georgia's (PDF):
    Paragraph I. Method of voting. Elections by the people shall be by secret ballot and shall be conducted in accordance with procedures provided by law. Paragraph II. Right to register and vote. Every person who is a citizen of the United States and a resident of Georgia as defined by law, who is at least 18 years of age and not disenfranchised by this article, and who meets minimum residency requirements as provided by law shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the registration of electors. Paragraph III. Exceptions to right to register and vote. (a) No person who has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude may register, remain registered, or vote except upon completion of the sentence. (b) No person who has been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent may register, remain registered, or vote unless the disability has been removed.


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    Re: Injunction Issued Against Georgia's Voter ID L (none / 0) (#8)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Sep 22, 2006 at 08:06:29 AM EST
    roy - And you think the US constitution doesn't trump the state's?? It sure seemed to for years and years.