Indiana Voter ID Case Poses A Hidden Religious Liberty Issue

At first blush, Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, the pending U.S. Supreme Court case challenging to Indiana's voter identification requirements, does not appear to involve religious liberty issues. However as Blog from the Capitol points out, an amicus brief filed by the League of Women Voters suggests that religious freedom is at stake. Indiana permits photo-exempt drivers' licenses and identification cards for those who have religious objections to being photographed. However, a person presenting such a card at the polls would be required to vote provisionally and then go to the election board to complete an affidavit attesting to his or her religious objections. This places an additional burden on hundreds of Amish and Mennonites in the state, who have already provided proof of their religious beliefs in getting their photo-exempt card initially. It requires individuals who often lack mechanized transportation for religious reasons, to go before the election board every time they vote. Some Old Order Amish and Mennonites also have religious reservations to such appearances to defend their rights. The Brennan Center has links to all the filings in the Crawford case.