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Arkansas Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Law

election voter ID vote
Michael Hibblen
/
KUAR News

Arkansas' highest court says the state can enforce a voter ID law in the May 22 primary despite a judge declaring the measure unconstitutional.

The state Supreme Court decision Wednesday overruled a Pulaski County judge who had blocked the law's enforcement. The primary is on May 22, and early voting begins Monday.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Alice Gray ruled the law was unconstitutional on April 26, and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state's enforcement of the law less than a month before primary elections. 

The law requires voters to present a photo ID before going to the voting booth. 

UPDATE: Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released the following statement regarding the Court's decision:

“I am very pleased that the Arkansas Supreme Court agreed with the arguments we made on behalf of the State Board of Election Commissioners that the requirement that a voter show photographic identification or sign a statement affirming his or her identity as a registered voter is not burdensome and helps ensure free and fair elections. The stay issued this afternoon provides needed clarity for Arkansas voters and election officials.” 

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