NoisyRoom.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Logan Churchwell
Logan@truethevote.org

HOUSTON, TX. September 18, 2012 ― True The Vote (TTV), a Houston-based, nonpartisan election integrity organization, applauded a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court released today rejecting an injunction that would suspend a new Voter ID law, until further review can be made. The Supreme Court wants the lower court to provide an assessment of the availability of alternate identification cards by October 2, 2012.

The new Voter ID law — which has been challenged in court — is scheduled to go into effect for the November 2012 elections. The Supreme Court made the ruling on August 15, 2012 and released it today.

“American legal precedent has already been established on this matter — and I applaud Judge Simpson’s carefully balanced decision to review all the facts before reversing what most Americans see as a common-sense reform. In a time where over 74 percent of voters are demanding better safeguards to prevent against fraud, Pennsylvanians are entitled to equal protection of the law,” said Catherine Engelbrecht, True the Vote Founder and President.

“The United States Supreme Court upheld the State of Indiana’s voter ID laws on the basis that it improved faith in our election system. Voters are best served when states maintain the right to improve transparency, efficiency, and in some states, such as Georgia, similar voter identification laws actually increase citizen turnout on election day.”

The Pennsylvania law allows for the following voter ID options: valid driver’s license, ID cards issued by the Commonwealth and federal agencies, US Passport, student ID, employee identification and military identification. In addition, valid firearm permits, utility bills, government checks, bank statements and employment checks are acceptable.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the League of Women Voters, and others, claimed that the new voter ID bill would disenfranchise voters.

Simpson originally ruled that the photo ID requirement of Act 18 is a “reasonable, nondiscriminatory, nonsevere burden when viewed in the broader context of the widespread use of photo ID in daily life. The commonwealth’s asserted interest in protecting public confidence in elections is a relevant and legitimate state interest sufficiently weighty to justify the burden.”

True The Vote (TTV) a nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots organization focused on preserving election integrity is operated by citizens for citizens, to inspire and equip volunteers for involvement at every stage of our electoral process. TTV empowers organizations and individuals across the nation to actively protect the rights of legitimate voters, regardless of their political party affiliation. For more information, please visit www.truethevote.org.