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Judge hears arguments in voter ID lawsuit

By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, MO – A ruling is expected next week in a lawsuit challenging a new law over photo IDs, after a judge heard arguments in the case Wednesday.

At issue is a new law that will require voters to show a government-issued photo ID before casting ballots, starting in November.

Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan heard arguments on the same day that a separate, federal lawsuit making similar claims against the voter ID law was also filed in Jefferson City.

In the Cole County lawsuit, attorneys for the state argue the photo ID requirement is just an extension of the old law that required voters to show one of many IDs at the polling place to cast a ballot.

But opponents argue it imposes an unconstitutional new requirement on voters, and an undue burden on certain groups, mainly the poor, elderly and minorities.

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