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Judge Hears Closing Arguments In Pennsylvania Voter ID Trial

By Cherri Gregg

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- The ACLU and the Commonwealth gave closing arguments on Thursday in Pennsylvania's voter ID case. Now, it's up to the judge to decide.

In order to win an injunction, the ACLU must convince Judge Robert Simpson that the plaintiffs' right to vote outweighs the state's interest in protecting the integrity of the vote by requiring a photo ID. Plaintiffs attorney Vic Walczak says the state needs a good reason to create obstacles to voting.

"The Commonwealth has absolutely no reason why people should be forced to get ID," he says. "They have agreed there is no fraud to be countered here. They have agreed that if the court issues an injunction, it's not going to increase the problem of fraud at the polls."

The state's attorney general countered that the lawmakers have the power to govern elections and a reasonable interest in protecting the integrity of the vote. The state also argued that voters have to claim some responsibility when voting.

The judge is expected to rule on the case in two weeks.

The losing party has a right to appeal to the Supreme Court.

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