U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Law
By: Web Producer
Updated: April 29, 2008
The U.S. Supreme Court says states can require voters to produce a photo ID before voting and they can do it without violating the persons constitutional rights.
The court upheld Indianas photo ID requirement in a 6 to 3 ruling.
The case concerned a state law passed in 2005 backed by Republicans trying to deter voter fraud.
Democrats and civil rights groups opposed the law, saying it discourages the elderly, poor and minority voters.
State Rep. Brian Bosma of Marion County says, "Its not unreasonable to ask for people to show a photo identification when they show up to exercise our most fundamental right. Were asked at Blockbuster. Were asked at the airport. Were asked to enter some buildings. Certainly, its appropriate to guarantee that each vote counts."
The ruling comes just one week before Indianas presidential primary.
If you still need a state-issued ID, all branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will open up on Monday, May 5, when they are normally closed. Their hours that day are 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Theyll also be open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m on Election Day next Tuesday.
If you still need your birth certificate for an identification card, just contact your local Health Department.
