Pennsylvania Victory: Judge Halts Voter ID Law

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law — the leading nonpartisan source of voting rights research in the United States — released the following statement today on the Pennsylvania voter ID case from Democracy Program Director Wendy Weiser:

“Today’s decision is a clear victory for Pennsylvania voters and the cause of voting rights across the country. As the Commonwealth Court ruled, implementing a sweeping new voter ID law so close to an election would prevent eligible citizens from voting and having their say in our democracy. We are pleased the Court refused to allow politicians to manipulate the system for their own benefit by rushing through new voting requirements that would keep out legitimate voters. Now, we must ensure voters are informed of their rights and poll workers are trained properly so no voter is turned away because they don’t have ID. As the leading democracy in the world, our voting system should be free, fair, and accessible to all Americans. Today’s ruling will help ensure it fulfills that promise.”

The Commonwealth Court ruling allows poll workers to ask for a photo ID, but does not require one to vote. The court will examine the law further after the November election.

Wendy Weiser and other Brennan Center voting rights experts including Lawrence Norden and Keesha Gaskins are also available for interviews. They can expand on the significance of today’s ruling—the latest in a string of legal victories against restrictive voting laws this year.

To arrange an interview, please contact Erik Opsal at erik.opsal@nyu.edu or 646–292–8356.