NJ Democrats Oppose Stricter Voter ID Laws
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Some progressive Democrats in New Jersey want to make sure the state does not enact strict new voter ID laws they say could lead to suppression at the polls.
Assemblyman John McKeon of Essex County says the laws are thinly veiled attempts to repress votes primarily from poor, Democratic constituencies.
Such laws could hurt President Obama's re-election bid because they strike at his base.
This week, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson refused to block a Pennsylvania law requiring voters to show photo ID at the ballot box while the case is being appealed.
McKeon says 21 million voters lack acceptable photo identification and could be turned away.
Proponents say they are guarding against voter fraud.
In New Jersey, Republican-sponsored voter ID bills have so far stalled in the Legislature.
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