Judge Rules Against PA's Voter ID Law for Nov. Election

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Corbett says he's leaning against appealing a judge's ruling to postpone the enforcement of Pennsylvania's new voter identification requirement until after the presidential election.

Corbett said Tuesday that no final decision had been made.

The 6-month-old law requires each voter  to show a valid photo ID and is a signature accomplishment of Corbett and his fellow Republicans who control the state Legislature.

Democrats call the decision a victory in Pennsylvania,as the judge blocked the requirement from going into effect on Election Day.

Democrats have said the requirement is just a ploy to defeat President Barack Obama. Foes of the new also said it would keep the elderly and minorities from voting.

Judge Robert Simpson said he's not convinced that every voter ould be able to get a valid ID.

The ruling could be appealed to the state Supreme Court. But the decision was based on guidelines given to the judge in recent days by the high court justices.

The law could still go into full effect next year, though the judge still has the option of issuing a permanent injunction.

In a statement, the Obama campaign said the decision means that "eligible voters can vote on Election Day."

But the state's Republican Party chairman says he's disappointed with the ruling. He says the identification law was a "common-sense reform" that is aimed at ensuring "one person, one vote."

Meanwhile, Gov. Corbett says he believes it's possible for every registered voter who needs a the ID to get one, and that his administration will continue its efforts to make sure ID is available to voters in all future elections.