Reactions Vary to Court's Voter ID Law Decision

Following , reactions poured in from both sides of the politicial aisle, voter advocacy organizations and Patch readers.

Below are some samples of what people were saying. Be sure to add your voice to the mix by posting a comment below!

Walt Garvin, Northampton County Democratic Party Chairman

“I am extremely disappointed in the judge's decision. There are many reasons for this disappointment, the most critical of them being the impact that this ruling will have on Election Day: There will be longer lines than ever at the polls!

“It was not uncommon to have lines two and three hours long during the past three presidential election cycles,” said Garvin, of Bethlehem Township.

“The practical impact of this legislation will double and triple those times. Many voters may simply walk away on Election Day,” he said.

“Shame on the Republicans in Harrisburg for this despicable attempt to frustrate the Pennsylvania electorate.”

Rob Gleason, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman

"Today is an important day for voters in the state of Pennsylvania as the Commonwealth Court’s ruling protects the integrity of our electoral process at every level – city, state and federal.

"The Commonwealth Court rightfully recognized that this law is not about the outcome of a single election or limiting voter participation. Rather, it is about ensuring that all votes that are properly cast are counted."

Mary Anne Looby: 

has made it clear that anyone of his constituants, who is having difficulty obtaining a photo ID for the purpose of voting need only contact his office and they will make sure that the person in need is helped. Has anyone from the other side of the aisle offered the same? Furthermore, Rep. Simmons is not discriminating between Rep and Dem. There is no excuse, everyone should have a photo ID."

Renee:

"I have been an Inspector at one of Saucon Valley's polling places for many years. We have been required to check ID for first-time voters at the precinct for quite some time. We watch the voters sign the book and signatures are matched up with the existing signature in the book...a signature that remains on file from the voter's initial registration with the county. It is unlikely that someone would successfully forge a signature. We always have provisional ballots on hand if there is a question of whether the person is registered to vote at our polling place. In my opinion, it is more likely that voter fraud could take place under the guise of absentee voters -- as we often see deceased names in the book for a long time after their passing has been known. Yet, this has never come up for discussion in the debate. While I would not want to see voter fraud of ANY kind, the presidential election is still based upon the Electoral College system of votes to decide the winner. Therefore even if there were a successfully fraudulent voter here and there, the big picture is BLUE vs. RED. This whole new form of voter ID thing is becoming a waste of time and taxpayer money for no good reason. What is wrong with (the) voter registration cards (that) were issued in the past?"