Barack Obama: Indiana Voter ID Law Unconstitutional

Obama joins entire CBC in filing brief to revoke voter ID requirement

November 26, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court amicus brief to challenge the constitutionality of the Indiana Voter ID Law currently before the Supreme Court, which he has signed.

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The brief, originally filed by Congressman Keith Ellison and supported by the entire Congressional Black Caucus, argues that the Indiana law is unconstitutional because it is effectively a poll tax and therefore violates the 24th Amendment.

The brief further contends that photo identification requirements in general violate the Constitution and have a disparate impact on African Americans, senior citizens, disabled Americans, and the poor.

“Voting is our most basic right and one of our most important responsibilities as Americans,” said Senator Obama. “Any law that creates discriminatory barriers to the exercise of this fundamental right should be immediately revoked – including the Indiana voter identification requirement. This law is unconstitutional, and should be struck down by the Supreme Court. More than forty years after the 24th Amendment was ratified, we must continue to ensure that all Americans, including our country’s most vulnerable citizens, have equal, unfettered access to the polls in every state.”

Source: Senator Barack Obama