RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Testimony has concluded in the trial of a lawsuit challenging Virginia's voter identification law.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson heard from the last witness Wednesday. Instead of hearing closing arguments, he ordered lawyers to submit written briefs later this month.
The Democratic Party of Virginia claims the law requiring voters to show a photo ID is unconstitutional because it aims to suppress the voting rights of minorities and young people. Republican lawmakers who championed the legislation said it is intended to deter voter fraud.
Social scientists testified Wednesday that they could not say for sure that the law was intended to suppress minority voting. Several voters previously testified about having trouble at the polls because of the photo ID requirement.
