The US Supreme Court just voted to disproportionately disenfranchises our rights to cast a ballot. Remember that whole thing about democracy and everyone having the right to vote - HA! I bet you thought that was real, right??
UPDATE 2: Rock the Vote recently released statement calling it "supremely wrong."
UPDATE 1: Politico has also reported on the topic
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According to a press release from Common Cause
"“In a year in which millions of people have registered to vote in the presidential primaries, including thousands for Indiana’s primary next week, it’s disheartening to see the Supreme Court uphold a measure that will deter and prevent Americans from participating in the electoral process and having their votes count,” said Tova Wang, Common Cause’s vice president for research. Although the court left open the possibility of future “as applied” challenges to voter ID laws, this will do nothing for the citizens of Indiana in this crucial election year, Wang added."
According to the CNN report
"The 6-3 vote allows Indiana to require the identification when it holds its statewide primary next week. It also will give most state legislatures time to revise their voter laws for the November elections.
At issue was whether state laws designed to stem voter fraud end up disenfranchising large numbers of Americans who might lack proper documents to prove their voting eligibility. The case raised important constitutional questions, but also involved race and partisan politics."
What this piece leaves out is that the cases of voter fraud are literally slim to none. In many places like New York City or Chicago most people use public transportation and don't have driver's licenses. Older voters, particularly those in senior centers or nursing homes, don't always have access to an ID that has the address of their assisted living center on it, and young voters, who often move around or who vote from school but have a driver's license with their home address on it will all be told that they cannot vote or are no allowed to vote.
While AARP or other senior lobbying groups have yet to comment on this ruling the Young Democrats of America released a press comment
“Young voters will feel the effects of these disenfranchising laws just at the time when turnout among turnout among young people is on the rise,” said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. “Make no mistake. These laws are a voter suppression tool, with young voters – who have been voting overwhelmingly for Democrats in recent elections – in the crosshairs.”
“Voter identification laws are simply a partisan tool used by Republicans to intentionally disenfranchise voters who are less likely to support their extreme agenda,” said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. “The Young Democrats of America will work to incorporate voter education into all aspects of our campaign programs this Fall to help young voters, among those most impacted by this law, bring proper ID to the polls and make their voices heard through the ballot box.”
Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi also released a statement with a similar regard
"The right to vote is a foundation of our democracy. American citizens who wish to vote must be able to do so.”
And representatives of the US PIRG's also agree in a recent statement released
"The ruling comes on the heels of youth vote surges throughout the country in the presidential primary contest to date. "Today's ruling sends a chilling message to young voters who are more energized and excited than ever."
U.S. PIRG assailed the majority decision saying it will create real problems in order to address perceived ones. A majority of justices accepted Indiana's argument despite the fact that no evidence of voter fraud in the state's history was presented."
I will work to keep you updated as the story unfolds, but more states are working to continue this trend in voter suppression tactics - chances are its coming to a state near you soon.
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