A victory for voter’s rights, and a strike against racism was handed down by the Supreme Court Monday. By a vote of 7-2, the Court struck down an Arizona law that would require official identification to receive the right to vote.
Governor Jan Brewer’s administration is wrought with racial agenda. The new “Mississippi of the West” has become the reddest of red states.
Alabama, Georgia and Kansas have similar laws, and will now be under attack by civil rights groups.
Proponents of requiring identification say that it will cut down on voter fraud. Opponents claim that it is merely another effort to restrict votes by certain races and ethnicities, who tend to vote for Democrats. They also stress that records show voter fraud is below one percent. They also state that voting would become more difficult for naturalized citizens, who would have to show proof of citizenship in person, rather than other means.
In its decision, the Court declared the federal form and its requirement sufficient. The voting registration form requires the individual to swear under oath that they are a United States citizen, or suffer charges of perjury.
A more serious case, with more lengthy effects, is still to be decided. An Alabama county’s challenge to the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires mostly Southern states with a history of discrimination to clear proposed voting changes with the federal government before implementing them. Arizona is one of the states covered by the provision.
Today’s decision was mildly surprising. It was about a year ago that the Court struck down several Arizona immigration laws, but upheld the right of authorities to demand immigration papers during a routine traffic stop or other minor violation.
Old men and women, such as Brewer, who hold government positions, are fading away. As citizens who at present are 35 years old or younger rise to the age when they will become our elected officials, archaic and immoral practices such as those of Arizona will vanish. States that refuse to recognize the advancing rate that shows minorities are becoming the majority, will soon live in a state of shock and awe.
Today’s victory for ‘the right thing’ to do, as the Supreme Court struck down Arizona’s voting law, will be heralded by those of us who still believe in the United States and its Constitution.
James Turnage
The Guardian Express
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