Photo ID ruling hurts poor voters

While the Supreme Court decision (April 28) upholding an Indiana law requiring citizens to possess government-issued photo ID's to vote surprised few observers, it certainly disappointed those of us who have long championed voting rights for poor, minority and elderly.

The deliberations ignored the reality of election administration: Anyone registering to vote must already prove their identity with a birth certificate, passport or similar ID.

Indeed, the Indiana law has already disenfranchised citizens with a long history of voting.

Justified with a nod and a wink as a fraud-fighting measure, it was truly designed to make it more difficult for the least privileged to cast ballots.

And with the Supreme Court's complicity, it will do that.

It's a sad day for those of us who believe in free and fair elections, and hence, for all Americans.

David Orr

Cook County Clerk

Chicago