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New Tennessee Photo ID Law Could Face Challenge

By Todd Hatton

Murray, KY – A requirement that Tennessee voters show photographic identification could be challenged in a lawsuit. Unless or until there is legislative or court action to change the statute that took effect January 1st, it will remain law. State Election Coordinator Mark Goins says he anticipates voters will be required to show a photo ID when they go to the polls for the March primary elections. A legislative reversal seems unlikely, despite a petition drive calling on the General Assembly to repeal the law. At issue is whether the statute adversely affects African-American voters who have special protections under federal election law.