Mid-August ruling expected on challenge to Pa. voter ID law

Opening statements have wrapped up in the hearing over the constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s voter identification law. The presiding judge says he expects to rule on the case by mid-August.

Legal groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have asked a judge to bar the law’s enforcement in the November general election.

David Gersch, an attorney with a private firm, said Wednesday his team will call on people who are unable to secure the necessary photo identification.

He also points out attorneys for the Commonwealth have agreed they know of no incidents of in-person voter fraud – the only kind of fraud the law can deter.

But Patrick Cawley, senior deputy state attorney general, argues the hearing is not about whether the law is wise, or necessary.

He says the state will, by the end of August, provide special voter ID cards that will come with less-stringent requirements – no birth certificate, for example, will be necessary.