New Va. voter-ID law makes it ‘tough to cheat’

With Gov. Bob McDonnell’s
blessing, Virginia is the latest in a growing number of states that
have adopted voter-identification laws ahead of the 2012 elections -
though he managed to add a fairly significant twist.

The
governor’s signature on a set of companion bills requiring voters to
present one of a number of forms of ID at the polls pleased Republicans,
who introduced the measures they say are meant to combat voter fraud.

“Virginia’s new voter-ID law makes it easy to vote, but tough to cheat,” said Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, Harrisonburg Republican, who co-sponsored the Senate version.

Mr. McDonnell also took the bold step of issuing an executive order directing the State Board of Elections
to send new voter-registration cards to every active voter in the
state, which could help blunt charges that the legislation is aimed at
suppressing the vote of the poor and minorities - groups that
traditionally vote Democratic and could help deliver the state to
President Obama once again.