By NBC's Cherrelle Nicholson
Just one day before the first debate between President Obama and Governor Romney, Judge Robert Simpson blocked Pennsylvania from implementing a controversial voter identification law. The law would have prevented individuals without a valid photo ID from voting in the upcoming 2012 elections. Proponents of the new law say it's necessary to stop voter fraud, but critics call it a calculated GOP effort to block Pennsylvania residents from exercising their right to vote.
Although the law has been blocked, it may still be appealed. Judge Simpson stated that “unless it's appealed back up to the Supreme Court, voters won't need to show photo ID in order to vote during this election, as long as they're registered. They will be able to cast provisional ballots.” Reactions to the ruling have been mixed, with some declaring the decision a victory while others calling it a complete bust. Check out this link to read a few reaction statements from politicians on both sides of the aisle. Then, sound off below in the comments section to tell us your thoughts.
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" A victory for all Americans who excercise their right to vote." I am glad this will push Jim Crow and his poll tax back into his coffin. Before the Federal voting rights act was legislated by congress in 1965, African Americans in the southern states had to jump over many obstacles at the polls, eventhough they were registered voters.
One such example; Quote to me what the 3rd Amendment of the Constitution says. If you can't tell me, you can't vote. This is just the first letter of the alphabet of what many evil methods that were done to suppress the African American voter.
I'm glad that the PA law was set aside by the judge. Trying to supress the vote by the Republicans will, I believe, backfire on them. Voting is the very foundation of our democracy; nobody should interfere with it.