South Carolina AG Sues Eric Holder Over Blocking State Voter ID Law
- Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:38pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
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Attorney General Eric Holder (AP)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (The Blaze/AP) — The U.S. Justice Department was wrong to block South Carolina from requiring voters to show government-issued photo identification to vote, the state’s top prosecutor argued in a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Enforcement of the new law “will not disenfranchise any potential South Carolina voter,” Attorney General Alan Wilson argues in the suit against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. “The changes have neither the purpose nor will they have the effect of denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race, color, or membership in a language minority.”
The Justice Department in December rejected South Carolina’s law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls, saying tens of thousands of the state‘s minorities might not be able to cast ballots under the new law because they don’t have the right photo ID. It was the first such law to be refused by the federal agency in nearly 20 years.
The department said the law, enacted last year, failed to meet the requirements of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory practices that prevent blacks from voting. The Voting Rights Act also requires the Justice Department to approve changes to South Carolina‘s election laws because of the state’s past failure to protect the voting rights of blacks.
In the lawsuit, Wilson asks that a panel of three federal judges consider the case and declare that the rejected portions of the law are not discriminatory. Wilson also notes that South Carolina’s law is similar to one in Indiana that has already been upheld as constitutional. He says the photo ID requirements “are not a bar to voting but a temporary inconvenience no greater than the inconvenience inherent in voting itself.”
Citing data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, Wilson says at least 31 states require voters to show some sort of ID at the polls, and 15 states have enacted photo ID requirements. Since 1988, South Carolina law has required voters to show either a voter registration card or some sort of government-issued ID to be allowed to vote on a regular ballot.
Immediately after the Justice Department’s December decision, Wilson had vowed that he would fight the issue in court, saying at the time, “nothing in this act stops people from voting.”
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice did not immediately comment on the lawsuit. The American Civil Liberties Union said it disagreed with the lawsuit and planned to oppose it in court.
Passed by a Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by GOP Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina’s law also required the state to determine how many voters lack state-issued IDs so that the Election Commission can inform them of law changes. The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue free state photo identification cards to those voters.
The federal review of South Carolina’s law has sparked a dustup between state agencies over the number of residents who lack state-issued IDs. The State Election Commission has said nearly 240,000 people didn’t have an appropriate ID, but the DMV director said that list included more than 37,000 records that appeared to belong to dead people, plus more than 91,000 whose state license records had been dropped because they had IDs in another state.
The last time the Justice Department rejected a voter ID law was in 1994 when Louisiana passed a measure requiring a picture ID. After changes were made, it was approved by the agency. Justice officials are reviewing Texas’ new law. Kansas, Tennessee and Wisconsin also passed laws this year, but they are not under the agency’s review.
South Carolina is among five states that last year passed laws requiring some form of ID at the polls. Such laws were already on the books in Indiana and Georgia, whose law received approval from President George W. Bush’s Justice Department. Indiana’s law, passed in 2005, was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008.
Those new laws also allow voters without the required photo ID to cast provisional ballots, but the voters must return to a specific location with that ID within a certain time limit for their ballots to count.
Most of the laws have been promoted and approved by Republicans, who argue they are needed to avert voter fraud. Democrats say the measures are actually aimed at reducing minority votes for their candidates.
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Comments (76)
AJAYW
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 5:20americ holder the racist AG of the usa
Report Post »ACLUHater
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 5:28pmIf you had to show an ID to buy liquor or lottery tickets – or cash a welfare check, everyone would have an ID and there would be no complaints. But because this gets in the way of ACORN and other thug “community organizations,” from committing voter fraud, it is all of a sudden racist.
Report Post »Cornflake
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 4:03amWhat a load of cornflakes!! If this issue isn’t settled by November, then I want to see if there is a fraud section that will be checking those 37,000 names, noted as deceased. Also, check to see if the 91,000 who have ID in another state vote multiple times. Not only was Acorn charged with voter fraud from the last primary election, the Women’s Voter League has had problems also. They signed people up to vote at some place like entering a retail store, and would have person fill out voter form. They told these people that they would be getting voter registration card from election office. Likewise, the area is tri-state and county, and one must register in county where they live. Voter registration denied getting the voter registration requestion from the Women’s League of Voters. When the WLOV, was contacted, it stated it had no information on the people who stated that someone had represented themselves as their agents or volunteers and taken information from people wanting to register to vote. A BIG case of fraud!! Don’t be silly enough to give private information to people standing outside a retail store! People would vote in states where voting was earlier, then move and vote again in the last primary. We need voter ID, and also need for these elections to be held close enough to each other so that people can’t vote in multiple states. Denying this Voter ID law is just as much as saying that voter fraud in a larger number will occur IMO.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 9:04amThis really is bull! My mother is 88 yrs old and has no photo ID, but is is because she doesn’t want one. I tried to get her to get one back in 1995. She says her vote doesn’t count so why go to the effort. She lived in Texas when LBJ was voted into Congress by a total of more people than was registered in his District. A reporter found numerous names on head stones. But right now my Mother could take her electric bill and SSI card to OHP office and get an ID or just her birth certificate. She could even use Call A Ride and it would just cost $.25 to ride there.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 9:15amI forgot to mention that here in Oklahoma you have to have photo ID. I vote out in the sticks at a Baptist Church and they have voteing machines set up in a big room on the side of the building. The 3 little old ladies that run this show have a computer print out with names and they match id and you sign in and vote. I hear rumors that just before November the ACLU is going to try to get an injunction nation wide to stop any voteing being done in a Church so I might not get to vote this year.
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 9:27amMASSIVE voter fraud is the goal of the Democrat Party……..they can’t win without it. Interesting to note, there are only a few counties in a couple of states that are need to win the General Election…and they are targeted for fraud……..
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:28amSo the next time someone walks into my store, and wants to purchase alcohol, without an ID, I should just sell him some? In some cases, voting can be more dangerous than alcohol consumption… Your choice could affect hundreds, if not thousands. As a drunk, you’re only a danger to yourself, and those in your immediate vicinity.
Report Post »dthomps6
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 3:55pmThat’s brilliant. That might even make it to court based on presidence in the law. I would love for someone to try and pull that off.
Report Post »enough_liberal_BS
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 12:27amAwwww, come on BLAZE! Holder is just trying to secure his and his bosses jobs for another term. GEEWHIZ!
Report Post »One of the Quiet Ones
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 12:08am“Most of the laws have been promoted and approved by Republicans, who argue they are needed to avert voter fraud. Democrats say the measures are actually aimed at reducing minority votes for their candidates.”
Don‘t you hate it when you don’t know if two people are telling you the truth and they just don’t want you to understand it.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:53amHas anyone ever suggested fixing this joke of a card called a Social Security Card just imagine if Credit Cards were that easy to reproduce.
Report Post »jblaze
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:55pmThis administration is criminal, simply criminal! Do we have to wait for an election to remove an administration that is not upholding the Constitution? Can it be removed before an election? Someone needs to look into this and get them the He!! out ASAP! Get the Judge on this!
Report Post »kellied
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 12:51amJBLAZE, thats what I’ve been saying. OMG all the laws broken, it seems daily by this administration . (I’m exhausted from these gangsters.) And they are always crying Black people. Belive me when they are giving out money , they are in line early and often. And I am not just talking Blacks, its whoever is offered something for nothing.
Report Post »DSTSS2010
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:25pmI believe ID should be required. One problem I see is how does the DMV verify the persons identity before issuing an ID card? DMV clerks aren’t going to do a lick more work than they have to. I envision tons of dead people miraculously coming to life, and getting photo IDs.
Report Post »Anamah
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 12:01amThese people has a dark, nasty desire to dismantle and impeach American exceptional system. Contrary, they must be impeached, and our wonderful Constitution and Republic must be saved.
Report Post »Obama_Sham
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 7:22amEven though I don’t like it, Indiana just started running all drivers license through DHS. The new drivers license are supposed to be more secure than the old one… I had to have my current drivers license, birth certificate, social security card, and two forms of proof of residence when obtaining the new drivers license… This part I don’t mind… The part I don’t like about it is the DHS now has officially infilitrated my life…
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:24pmI know its wrong but i feel hate for this man but that will go away once he is behind bars……………..
Report Post »Livia
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 10:28amSomehow, I don’t think you are the only one. I feel the same way about both him and obama. Contrary to what a lot of people would love to believe, most of the people that feel that way are not racists. They are jsut able to see through the smokescreen that these two throw out.
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:17pmYou know the old demoncrat motto: Vote early ! Vote often!
Report Post »I don’t understand why the department of health and human services in each state, can’t just start adding a photo to the EBT cards. Then these cards would make a suitable ID for voting. You can’t call it racist either, because just as many white folks have them these days.
KAdams
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:39amAnd college students at state universities like Michigan State!
Report Post »SERUM
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:10pmIn this day and age, it’s just un-American NOT to have picture photo ID, plain and simple!
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:53pmThre you go,, again! Confusing being american and voting in our elections!
Report Post »OldTiredBaldMan
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:10pmHere in Anderson, South Carolina the local Hobby Lobby store requires a photo ID in order to purchase spray paint. If a minority can’t get to the DMV to obtain a free ID card, how can they get to the voting booth? If Jesse wants to mobilize the vote, maybe he should mobilize the ID’s. Voting trumps spray paint any day of the week. Put Holder in jail.
Report Post »mils
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:02pm“not able to get picture id” is drivel and just an excuse for fraud.
Report Post »people need picture id to drive, cash a check, get social security, go to college,breathe…
good grief when don’t you need picture id.
You can’t show me who you are? you don’t need to vote.
MCDAVE
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:53pmJust add voter fraud to Holders list of crimes…Right after treason and murder
Report Post »glashole
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:02pmHow does this administration get away with these things. The lame stream media needs to be held in contempt.
Report Post »db321
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 12:10amStop watching the Networks that are covering for this Administration. It is unwinding thanks to the Catholic Church for speaking out.
Report Post »tzion
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:45pmIf they manage to get a settlement, it‘ll be the most Holder has given back since he’s been there.
Report Post »JJBlazeReader
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:26pm..
Report Post »Holder does not want SC interfering with the Chicago way of voting, i.e. vote early and vote often (even if you are dead).
..
The-Monk
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:24pmBy “vote early” they mean starting at 6 years old….
Report Post »Fus Patrol
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:14pmHolder needs to resign in disgrace but keeping him in there benefits the Conservative cause leading to the election. Most corrupt administration ever.
Report Post »Demaslut
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:50pmHolder needs to stand infront of a live firing squad and take his lead at high velocity….
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:13pmIt‘s obvious the dems don’t want id to vote so the fraud is easier to commit,they’re just trying to help their criminal constituents to vote,several times per criminal.
Report Post »Mess23
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:09pmI voted in Florida and had to show my ID. I suspect it would be different if I was voting in a Democrat primary… If it was a democRAT primary, I doubt an ID would be required and I might have even got a pack of smokes per vote…
Cheating basturds (u is intentinal)
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:30amBase turds?
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:08pmThe suspect SC vote should not count. Even in socialist Connecticut , EVERYONE,, even the terminally stupid have to have a valid photo ID to vote.
Report Post »Atlappraiser
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:05pmIt has to be a State issued ID Mike Benton, not a computer generated crap ID.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:03pmMaybe the tide is turning…let’s run em all outta Dodge in November!
Report Post »oldguy49
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:09pmwhat is the first thying a 16 year old wants….???
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:54pmsockx
Report Post »saucy jack
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:00pmIt’s pretty clear that Liberals think Blacks are too stupid to get a ID card.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:09pmThat’s about it and the feds have to keep blacks dependent on taxpayers for generations.The dems are the most vile racist group you’ll ever come across.
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 1:34amWhy would they? Hell, they want ME to buy them one… so some black guy told me when I wouldn’t sell him alcohol without a valid ID…
“You know, you can take the money you want to buy alcohol with, and use it to get yourself an ID” I said.
“You’re a smart-ass.” said his female friend.
“You can buy me one! Go buy it for me…” said the black guy.
He tried several times over the course of 2 months to get me to sell to him. What an asshat.
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:58pmA very good idea; all states should have picture id’s. Every time you cash a check they want to see your id, driver’s license. I wish that many states would sue him and keep him so busy. I don’t believe him to be an honest man nor a goo American.
Report Post »Mike Benton
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:51pmThis is a nonsense issue that must have something driving it behind the scenes. You can use a cell phone camera to take a “poor” person’s picture, go to any PC on line and down load a pdf. file that the state sets up, copy the picture to the file and presto a photo ID in ready to print. I just printed a shipping label for an eBay sale that was practically effortless.
Report Post »So fighting the photo ID is nonsense.
CatB
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 9:48pmThe best defense is a strong offense .. I think the states should keep the Obama admistration so busy .. they don’t have time to take any more liberty away. ;-)
OMG 2012 !!!
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