CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - There were few complaints of people being turned away from the polls in Tennessee's general election because they did not have an acceptable photo ID. Yet, opponents of the statute said any disenfranchisement is unacceptable.
State election coordinator Mark Goins told the Chattanooga Times Free Press problems meeting the photo ID requirement on November 6 appeared to be minimal. The final tally of provisional ballots was not yet available. Those are votes cast by residents who can later show a valid photo ID and have their ballot counted.
Nashville attorney Doug Johnston is arguing against the statute in a case that is now before the Tennessee Supreme Court. He said "not that many" isn't a valid argument when the matter is someone's right to vote.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
