Indiana appeals court strikes down tough voter ID law previously upheld by US Supreme Court
By APThursday, September 17, 2009
Indiana court strikes down tough voter ID law
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Court of Appeals has struck down a state law requiring government-issued photo identification for voters. The law had previously been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Thursday appeals court ruling says the law violates the state constitution because it regulates voters unequally. It says the law requires voters to verify their identify at the ballot box, but there is no such requirement for voting by mail.
Critics say the law disenfranchises some poor, older and minority voters. Supporters contend it prevents voter fraud at the polls.
The Indiana Democratic Party previously challenged the law in federal court. But the U.S. Supreme Court upheld it by a 6-3 vote in April 2008.
The League of Women Voters is now challenging the law in state courts.
