LWVCT Press Release re: Supreme CT Voter ID Ruling
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2008 Contact: Jean Rabinow, LWVCT 203-288-7996 Carole Young-Kleinfeld, LWVCT 203-762-0489 Jara N. Burnett, LWVCT 203-637-9244
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut called yesterday’s Supreme Court decision on requiring photo identification for Indiana voters an “outrage” and contrary to the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in the democratic process.
LWVCT President Jara Burnett said, “It is shameful that, under the pretext of protecting voters against fraud, the Supreme Court has disfranchised countless seniors and inner city voters who do not possess drivers licenses and will find it difficult to get photo IDs.” She stated, “Electoral fraud is the perennial red herring; actual cases of electoral fraud are extremely rare. I hope that the Indiana Secretary of the State and the legislature will find ways to provide these voters with a cost-free photo ID to allow them to exercise their constitutional right to vote.”
The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law finds that 11% of the voting age population or 21 million American citizens do not possess government-issued photo identification. Elderly, minorities, voters with disabilities, and young voters are overrepresented in this group.
The League of Women Voters of the United States, the League of Women Voters of Indianapolis, and the League of Women Voters of Indiana filed a joint amicus brief in the Indiana case.
“This is a disgraceful decision by a court that has no credibility on election issues. The court has shown once again that it does not respect voters,” said Mary G. Wilson, president of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
“We can no longer look to this Supreme Court to ensure fair elections,” Wilson concluded.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.
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