Photo I.D. Still a Requirement in Upcoming Elections

A federal judge will not suspend Alabama’s photo voter identification requirement in the upcoming elections.

U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler Wednesday denied Wednesday a preliminary injunction sought by groups that challenged the law requiring voters to present photo identification.

The groups had asked the judge to expand the state’s alternative identification process so people without photo identification can vote if they present certain documents or identification.

Coogler said he would not use a backdoor method to effectively do away with the photo identification requirement that took effect in 2014.

Coogler also said plaintiffs offered no convincing reason why obtaining a valid photo ID is an undue burden.

Greater Birmingham Ministries and the NAACP filed a December lawsuit arguing the law disproportionately hurts poor and minority voters.

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