Judge Rules Memphis Library Card Can’t Serve As Voter ID

A federal judge has ruled library cards issued in Memphis will not count as proper voter identification in Thursday’s election. The ruling effectively favors the state, but the judge made clear she’s no fan of the voter-ID requirement as it’s currently written.

U.S. District judge Aleta Trauger said it makes no sense that the law excludes certain kinds of ID, like cards for students at state colleges. Even the state’s attorney agreed the law should get another look from legislators, after plaintiffs noted you can vote using an expired boating license from Alabama.

Regina Newman, the Memphis deputy attorney, argues the burden is being underestimated for old and poor people who have to get photo IDs. Newman would like to see the law overturned as unconstitutional, but says her team wasn’t ready for that kind of fight this soon:

“One of the reasons constitutionality was not discussed today is that is a hearing that takes a lot more proof, and this is a hearing that needed to be held prelimarily before election day – so there was very little time.”

To vote you can use a driver’s license, passport, military ID or a gun permit that has a photo.