In a 5-2 decision, the Michigan Supreme Court has upheld a 1996 law that requires that voters provide picture ID or sign an affidavit when voting. The decision essentially overturns an opinion of former Attorney General Frank Kelley who declared the '96 law as violating the civil rights acts and voting rights acts, as well as the U.S. Constitution. The 1996 law was written in response to complaints of voter fraud. Although no voter fraud was ever found to exist.
This is only the latest attempt by the Republican Party to minimize the Detroit(Black) vote in state-wide elections. The Michigan Republican Party and its affiliated organizations have participated in efforts to over-scrutinize persons voting in Detroit election precincts in past elections. These organizations sent election day 'challengers' and 'observers' into inner-city precincts to challenge the registrations of legitimate voters at polling places throughout Detroit.
For all of its theatrics, the Republicans have never been able to demonstrate one incidence of voters attempting to or being allowed to vote under false pretences. Furthermore, the mere presence of these 'observers' and 'challengers' have caused more problems with their interference than the non-existent fraud that was alleged.
The strong Supreme Court vote along party lines is really an affirmation that Republicans are now officially returning to their practices of threatening and intimidation of citizens who have a legitimate right to the franchise of voting. The Supreme Court of Michigan was wrong in this decision. The Republican Party of Michigan should be ashamed of its self for supporting and participating in any action that would minimize or prevent any citizen from exercising his/her voting rights. It appears that today, however, both entities have successfully tampered with our voting rights once more.
What Do You Think?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment