Local Politicians React to Voter ID Law Injunction

Following the delayed implementation of the Voter ID Law's key provision—requiring voters to produce photo identification at the ballot—both Marple Newtown democratic and republican politicians.

Many democrats showed favor for the postponed implementation of the law, including Tony Campisi, chairman of the Marple Newtown Democratic Party.

"This is a victory for fairness and common sense," said Campisi. "The law was clearly rushed into effect to have an impact on the presidential contest. The House Republican Leader admitted as much. So to have it put on hold for this election so it does not  disenfranchise thousands of voters and randomly take away a fundamental right of citizenship was the right thing to do for the voters."

While republicans, including Leonard Altieri III, second vice chair of the Newtown Township Republican Committee, shared his disappointment with the ruling but stayed positive.

"While I am upset with Judge Simpson's ruling to postpone the full implementation of this commonsense law, myself and others involved in local politics will continue to educate and familiarize voters for when the law goes into effect in 2013," said Altieri.

He continued, "Though this is a setback in ensuring our electoral process is protected from fraud, court case after court case has continually ruled that Pennsylvania’s Voter ID Law is constitutional. In closing, despite the rhetoric that opponents of the Voter ID Law spew, polling has shown over and over again that individuals on both side of the political isle support this commonsense reform.”

Who do you agree with? Tell us in the comments.

For the initial Patch Voter ID story, click here.

For the analysis of Judge Robert Simpson's opinion, click here.

Sam Fran Scavuzzo contributed to this report.