Pennsylvania voter ID bill headed for 3rd day of House debate

Published: Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 6:31 PM Updated: Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 7:59 PM

Suzanne Trayer, in yellow, and husband John, behind her, sign
in to vote at Chambers Hill Fire Company in Swatara Twp.
With them are their children, from left, Kendall, 1, Aubrey, 7,
Caleb, 11, and Andrew, 13. Dan Gleiter, The Patriot News

By The Associated PressThe Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania's House of Representatives is delaying a vote on a measure to establish one of the nation's toughest photo identification laws for voters.

House Speaker Sam Smith said the debate would continue a third day Wednesday after almost six hours of debate Tuesday.

Approval by the Republican-controlled chamber would send the measure to Gov. Tom Corbett, also a Republican, who says he'll sign it immediately. A court challenge is expected.

Democrats criticize it as a veiled effort to defeat President Barack Obama by suppressing some traditionally Democratic voters, such as minorities and college students, while making it more difficult for the elderly and disabled.

Republicans say it'll combat voter fraud and protect the sanctity of elections through the use of widely available IDs. Counties warn of longer election day lines.