Arkansas’ Supreme Court has struck down a state law requiring voters to show federal ID before casting a ballot, reports The Associated Press. The state’s high court determined Wednesday that it was an unconstitutional voting requirement.
Currently, Arkansas law states that voters must be 18 years of age, a US and state citizen, and legally registered. No photo ID is or will be required. This ruling may make it a lot easier for people to get to the polls as Arkansas’ early voting for midterm elections begins Monday, Oct. 20.
This is the latest ruling about voter ID laws across the country. Last week, the US Supreme Court blocked new voter ID requirements in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the same Supreme Court upheld new voter ID laws North Carolina that restricted same-day registration and which precinct citizens were allowed to vote in.
According to US News and Report, some observers say the new voter ID laws, which are often passed by Republicans in office, are meant to keep Democrats away from the polls. In fact, Republicans in Arkansas say they plan to push for voter ID requirements again with Majority House Leader Ken Bragg adding that he supports a constitutional amendment for voter ID on the 2016 ballot.
According to the Brenner Center for Justice, mid-term election day on Nov. 4 will be the first major federal election for new voting restrictions in 15 states.