Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) said on Thursday he will not appeal the a state judge’s decision striking down a law that required state residents to show photo identification in order to vote, the Associated Press reported.
While Corbett said he would not challenge the decision on the Pennsylvania law in its current form, he defended voter ID laws in general.
“Based upon the court’s opinion, it is clear that the requirement of photo identification is constitutionally permissible. However, the court also made clear that in order for a voter identification law to be found constitutional, changes must be made to address accessibility to photo identifications,” Corbett said in a statement.
“A photo identification requirement is a sensible and reasonable measure for the Commonwealth to reassure the public that everyone who votes is registered and eligible to cast a ballot,” he continued. “The Administration will work with the General Assembly to address these issues. However, through the current legislative term, we must remain focused on passing a balanced budget and addressing ongoing legislative priorities.”
The Justice Department launched an investigation into Pennsylvania’s voter ID law in 2012 to determine whether the legislation discriminated against minority voters. The probe was the first of its kind in a state not covered in Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which was struck down in 2013.
