FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/Thomas

Thomas denounces court decision on Voter ID

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15 – State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., denounced this morning's decision by Commonwealth Court Judge Robert E. Simpson, Jr. to uphold Pennsylvania’s Voter ID Law. 

"I am saddened by the judge's decision, but not surprised," Thomas said. "It's hard to decide against something you advanced. Unfortunately, all three branches of government in Pennsylvania are controlled by one party. It's very unlikely to get a favorable decision against something the controlling party supports. It's almost like a runaway government."

Simpson, a Republican, rejected the petitioners request for an injunction against the implementation of the new law. Pennsylvania's voter ID law is one of the harshest in the nation. Thomas said the petitioners will probably appeal the decision, but suggested opponents of the law should have considered petitioning federal court instead.

"We must consider a plan for advocacy that includes federal court," he continued. "Folks need to remember it was the Republicans who supported this law. Meanwhile, we must continue to move forward toward the November elections by continuing to help our constituents with their voter ID issues and making sure everyone is able to vote."

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