Justice Department Approves Georgia's Voter ID Law [View All]

[steve2470]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB970Q1VCE.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department on Friday approved a controversial Georgia law requiring photo identification to vote at the polls, and its opponents immediately vowed to challenge the measure in federal court.

The decision, written by John Tanner, chief of the department's voting section, says that while Attorney General Alberto Gonzales doesn't object to the law, approval doesn't preclude lawsuits against it.

"It's not over yet. We will pursue litigation in federal court," said state Rep. Tyrone Brooks, chairman of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, which earlier had sent an objection to the law to the Justice Department.

The Republican-backed measure sparked racial tension during the state's legislative session last spring. Most of Georgia's black lawmakers walked out at the state Capitol when it was approved.


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