Questions presented
SCOTUS records, cert granted 25 Sep 2007
Whether an Indiana statute mandating that those seeking to vote in-person produce a government-issued photo identification violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
Opinion summary
Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion
The case addressed the constitutionality of Indiana's voter ID law, which required voters to present government-issued photo identification at the polls. The petitioners, including the Indiana Democratic Party and other groups, argued that this requirement imposed an undue burden on certain groups of voters, particularly minorities and low-income individuals who might find it difficult to obtain such IDs. They claimed it violated both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and their right to vote under Article I. The state defended its law by asserting a legitimate interest in preventing voter fraud and safeguarding public confidence in elections. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Indiana’s voter ID law as constitutional in a decision that emphasized deference to states' rights in regulating election procedures unless there is clear evidence showing significant burdens on specific populations.
Opinion written by Justice Stevens
Decided 28 Apr 2008 · Official report