Obama: Indiana Voter ID Law Is Unconstitutional

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

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. 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.”

A recent AP article outlines the groups that are most affected by this law. They write:

The survey, led by a researcher at the University of Washington, found that 86 percent of white eligible voters had current, valid photo identification, compared to 73 percent of black eligible voters.

While many people have driver’s licenses or other identification, the study confirmed that many others don’t, said researcher Matt A. Barreto.

“It is a very significant issue and one that most people take for granted,” he said.

Politics was also found to be a factor. About 41 percent of those who have valid identification said they were Republican, while 32 percent were Democrats. Of those without ID, 34 percent were Republican and 38 percent were Democrats.

Among registered voters in Indiana, nearly 91 percent of those between 55 and 69 had a current ID, compared with about 80 percent of people 18-34 and about 84 percent of those over the age of 70. About 88 percent of registered voters making at least $40,000 a year had current ID, compared with about 82 percent of those making less than $40,000 a year, the study found.