Ruling allows ID at Arizona polls

PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge yesterday refused to block a law that requires Arizona voters to present identification before casting ballots.

U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver’s order came a day before the state’s primary today, the first statewide election in which voters will be required to show identification. The law has been used in some municipal elections.

The 2004 law requires that voters, before casting ballots, produce a government-issued picture ID or two pieces of non-photo identification specified by the law. It also requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

Parts of the law were aimed at illegal aliens.

Opponents had sued to prohibit election officials from enforcing the requirements, saying that the law would disenfranchise voters, particularly minorities and the elderly, and that forcing voters to acquire and produce identification would cost time, money and effort.

They also said it hinders voter-registration drives.

Secretary of State Jan Brewer said the law was a protection against voter fraud.

“Today’s court ruling assures the integrity of this process by retaining the requirements established by Proposition 200,” she said.