Judge Temporarily Bars New Georgia 'Poll Tax'

Washington, DC - Today, "a federal court temporarily barred Georgia from enforcing a new state law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls." The federal judge hearing the case in Georgia "agreed with critics who claimed the law amounted to an unconstitutional poll tax." [AP, 10/18/05]

The Georgia law would require voters to show special, government-issued photo IDs to vote. The new rule would have a particularly harmful impact on minority and elderly voters, as they are less likely to obtain or afford transportation to get such cards, and also less likely to afford the card's cost. [National Law Journal, 9/26/05] Rural, disabled, and poor voters, as well as students, would be negatively affected by the implementation of this new decree.

"This decision is an important boost for democracy in America," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Voting is our most fundamental, basic right as American citizens, and you should not have to pay to exercise your right to vote.

"This ruling is a further indication that a national voter ID card is an unsound and unworkable proposition, as well as an infringement on every American's right to vote. The Democratic Party is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in our democracy. Democrats believe we should be making it easier, not harder for Americans to exercise their fundamental right to vote."