State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said today that he is not surprised by the action taken by the City of Memphis this week to withdraw their federal court lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s new photo identification.  Ketron was sponsor of the legislation which was implemented in January.

 

“I am not surprised by the action taken by Memphis to withdraw the lawsuit,” said Senator Ketron.  “It was obvious that it was not going to be successful. “

 

The action taken by Memphis comes after a July 24th ruling by U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger that state law does not allow identifications issued by local governments to be used for voting.  Ketron maintained that the General Assembly carefully considered allowing various identification methods, like local government library cards, but decided the criteria for receiving them was too lenient “to protect the purity of the ballot box.”

 

Memphis has indicated they would now take their challenge to a Davidson County Chancery Court where they will base their arguments regarding the constitutionality of the state’s new voter ID law on provisions pertaining to the requirements for voting.  Ketron said that he expects the new lawsuit will also be unsuccessful.

 

“Tennessee’s Constitution clearly gives the legislature the authority to address voter fraud,” added Senator Ketron.  “I think they will find the same results in our state courts.”

 

The State’s Constitution in Article 4, Section 1 states:  “The General Assembly shall have power to enact laws requiring voters to vote in the election precincts in which they may reside, and laws to secure the freedom of elections and the purity of the ballot box.”

 

“I don’t know how you can get clearer than that, added Ketron.  “We feel we are on firm constitutional ground and will be successful in the state’s courts as well.”