Brewster: PA Voter ID Law Struck Down in Court

January 17, 2014

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17, 2014 – Today state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said a judge ruled that Pennsylvania’s voters will not be required to show photo ID at the polls.

“This is good news,” Brewster said. “The voter ID law was not designed to increase voter turnout or promote voting.  It didn’t make sense when it passed, and it doesn’t make sense now. I’m encouraged that the court agreed.”

Commonwealth Court Judge Bernard McGinley ruled that the voter ID law, which passed in 2012, put an unreasonable burden on voters.

“No one should have their right to vote stripped away because they are unable to get an ID,” said Brewster. “Instead, we should be encouraging people to vote, and our laws should ensure free and fair elections in Pennsylvania.”

Brewster said he will continue to fight with his Democratic colleagues who have opposed the voter ID law from the beginning.

“I’m pleased with today’s decision, but the fight is not over yet,” said Brewster. “If there is an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, I hope this law is seen for exactly what it is: a poorly disguised attempt by Republicans to disenfranchise voters.”

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Brewster Commends Decision to Delay Voter ID Law

October 2, 2012

HARRISBURG, October 2, 2012 – Sen. Jim Brewster issued the following statement in response to today’s Commonwealth Court Ruling that delayed implementation of Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID law.

“I salute Judge Simpson for his measured decision that will protect eligible voters from being disenfranchised.

Regardless of whether or not one thinks this photo ID requirement is necessary, it is obvious that the Corbett Administration is not prepared to fully implement the law in time for next month’s election.

Administration officials have provided a steady stream of misleading, faulty and confusing information on the new law. They have muddled the process even further by changing the eligibility rules and procedures numerous times, the latest just a week ago.

By delaying implementation of the law, the judge today assured that eligible voters can exercise their right to vote and that our poll workers can do their jobs without the pressures of enforcing a new complicated photo ID system while lines of people seeking to vote for president back up around the block.”

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