PA State Supreme Court Judge Orders Law Not to Be Enforced in the Presidential Election

(Washington, D.C.) – The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today commended a judge’s ruling to block the new Pennsylvania voter ID law through the presidential election. The law was seen by many as an attempt to suppress the vote.

The law, largely backed by Republicans, requires residents to present a photo ID that includes a name and expiration date in order to vote. The controversial law generated national attention when Pennsylvania House Majority Leader who said that the law would help Romney win in November. This law has also received national media attention from many civic groups who say that the law makes it harder for residents, especially women, seniors, students, low-income residents and minorities, to vote.

“This is a major victory for voting rights,” said Mark Vinson, AFGE’s voting rights coordinator. “However, this is a short-term victory with major concerns. The judge’s decision still allows the state to advertise this law and ask for ID, even though it is not necessary. It also still allows poll workers to ask for photo IDs which can be terribly confusing for voters.”

AFGE has been providing information, news updates and assistance to its members and the public through its campaign, AFGE Defends Democracy.  More information about AFGE Defends Democracy can be found at www.afgedefendsdemocracy.wordpress.com.

“We do not need voter suppression in this country,” said Augusta Thomas, AFGE’s National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices. “I saw voter suppression 50, 60, 70 years ago, but I never thought politicians would still be trying to keep people out of the polls. This Judge is saying to the Pennsylvania legislature that every eligible voter deserves the right to vote. It is a basic, American right.”

# # #

Note: Go to http://www.aflcio.org/Multimedia/Videos/AFGE-Defends-Democracy-Know-Your-Voting-Rights to watch a video on voting rights.