Harrisburg – September 13, 2012 — State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), the Senate Democratic leader, issued a statement concerning two issues that were before the state Supreme Court today.
The Court heard arguments today on the voter ID law that will require all voters to show a valid photo ID when they cast their vote in the General Election in November, as well as the challenges to the 2012 legislative reapportionment plan.
“Two exceptionally important cases were before the state Supreme Court today. Both cases involve the ability of citizens to cast votes and be guaranteed fair elections so they have a voice in their government.
“The voter ID case involves the ability of all citizens to cast their vote on Election Day. There is no evidence of voter fraud and obstacles to voting should not be permitted. The requirement that voters have photo ID before their vote is counted will cause immediate harm for seniors, the poor, students and others.
“As a plaintiff in the legislative reapportionment case, I asked the court to throw out the partisan political plan that was approved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission so that a new, fair, and constitutional map can be drafted. This is the second time that a flawed plan has been before the court. The plan has too many county splits and is too skewed politically to pass constitutional muster.
“I am confident that the court will carefully consider each of these cases and make appropriate rulings that protect the ability of citizens to vote and be represented fairly.”
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