06-01-2012
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http://www.washingtonpost.com, by Jerry Markon
A federal judge on Thursday blocked key provisions of a Florida law regulating groups that organize voter-registration drives, escalating a debate over newly restrictive voter-access laws that have become a major issue in the presidential campaign.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle marked the first time a federal jurist has struck down provisions in one of the voting laws passed by nearly 20 states since last year. The laws are a flashpoint in President Obama’s battle for reelection, with his supporters saying they target minorities and other pro-Obama groups. Republicans say the measures are needed to combat voter fraud.
