Voter ID gets another challenge

A group of civil rights lawyers wants the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a 2007 ruling that struck down a challenge to Georgia’s voter ID law. Last year, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit on grounds it did not impose a significant burden on the right to vote. But, an attorney for the group challenging the law said the state had no evidence of voter fraud to support the need for the new law. Georgia’s voter ID rules have long been targeted by Democrats.

Court ruling: Voter photo ID required at polls

Georgia voters will have to present a valid government-issued photo ID when casting a ballot in November’s general elections. That’s the ruling from a Superior court yesterday rejecting an effort by the Democratic party of Georgia to toss out the law. Secretary of State Karen Handel applauds the ruling. The Democratic party has vowed to appeal.

Officials investigating large number of voter i.d. cards in Augusta

Officials in Augusta say the secretary of state's office is investigating why so many people are getting voter identification cards there.

The Richmond County board of elections says it has issued about 1700 voter identification cards since the process began in Georgia two years ago. That's the second highest number in any other county. Fulton County is the top. Officials say about 1900 of the cards have been issued there, although Fulton has about four to five times more registered voters.

Officials say the large number of cards issued in Richmond County has peaked the interest of the secretary of state and the district attorney. They say both agencies are investigating, and that they suspect the cards are being used to cash checks and for other purposes. That's illegal.

"The cards that are issued by the registrars in the state of Georgia are to be used for voting purposes only," says Lynn Bailey, director of the Richmond County board of elections. "It clearly states that on the front and and back of the card."

Bailey doesn't expect the issue to affect upcoming elections.

Counties provide voter i.d. cards to residents who have no other form of photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport.

Supreme Court looks ready to back Voter ID

The Supreme Court appeared ready today to uphold the nation's strictest requirement that voters show photo identification before casting a ballot. That would likely mean Georgia’s photo ID would remain in place. Today's arguments were over a challenge to an Indiana law, supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats. Critics call it a thinly-veiled effort to discourage elderly, poor and minority voters. But Justice Anthony Kennedy, often a key vote on the court, did not sound convinced by that argument, asking whether the justices were being asked "to invalidate a statute on the ground that it's a minor inconvenience to a small percentage of voters?"

Judge rules Voter ID law is legal

A federal judge ruled today that the state's strict photo voter ID requirement is legal. Judge Harold Murphy said in his ruling that requiring a photo ID at the polls is not a burden to the right to vote. He dismissed a lawsuit brought by several advocacy groups including Common Cause, The League of Women Voters and the NAACP. They had argued that requiring a photo ID would keep the elderly and minorities from the polls.

Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State Karen Handel said she was "very pleased" with the decision. She said, "It is a tremendous victory for Georgia, for our citizens and for the integrity of elections in our state." Georgia Democrats said they disagree with the judge’s ruling, but will now work to make sure everyone has the proper ID for voting in person.

New website for Georgia voters

Georgia has a new website and hotline for voters. Their goal is to educate voters about new voting laws, specifically a requirement to show photo ID at the polls. The website lists required forms of photo ID. It also tells voters where they can get a free ID. Georgia’s next statewide election is September 18th. The toll-free hotline is 1-877-725-9797. To link to the website directly, click here: www.gaphotoid.com.