South Carolina’s Voter Photo ID Law Blocked for Election Day

State might put the law into effect in 2013, if it adheres to board interpretation of law

South Carolina’s voter ID law was blocked in federal court on Wednesday, invalidating the photo requirement for voters in next month’s presidential election. A three-judge panel ruled that there was not enough time to educate voters and elections official about the law. The ruling comes on the heels of a similar ruling in Pennsylvania, slowing the momentum of Republican-led efforts to suppress voters with new restriction on Nov. 6. South Carolina is, however, cleared to enforce the law in 2013, if officials use a "broad interpretation" of a provision that makes exceptions for voters who lack photo ID cards. The Justice Department blocked South Carolina’s voter ID law in December, but the state later sued to get a judge to allow enforcement. Laws in Texas and Wisconsin have also been struck down in federal courts. (New York Times)

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