Conyers and Nadler Disappointed with Supreme Court Decision on Voter ID law

(Washington, DC)- House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) and Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statements on the Supreme Court's decision upholding Indiana's voter photo ID law:

"I am disappointed that the Court majority upheld Indiana's law which I believe places unneeded obstacles in the way of voting," said Conyers. "I would note that six justices indicated that where the evidence demonstrates that voter ID laws significantly impair voters' rights, such laws could well be ruled unconstitutional. I believe past practices have shown that such laws DO harm voters without justification, particularly minorities and the elderly. Our committee will schedule a hearing promptly on the Court's decision and its implications."

"At a time when countless Americans are registering to vote, we should be making it easier, not more difficult, for qualified voters to exercise their rights at the ballot box," said Rep. Nadler. "Today’s decision may help states take steps that will effectively bar many of the elderly, the poor and minorities from voting. I look forward to working with Chairman Conyers to review possible legislative remedies to ensure that the right to vote in a free and fair election is preserved for all Americans."