During the 2005 Legislative Session, the General Assembly passed a comprehensive Voter Reform law that ensures the security of every citizen’s vote. This legislation was approved by the Civil Rights Division of the U. S. Department of Justice.

I am disappointed that certain liberal and partisan interest groups plan to challenge this new law in court. Apparently, they want to return to a state law that allowed old utility bills, bank statements, or any "government document" that has a name and address on it to count as a valid ID for voting.

More than 80% of ALL Georgians - different races, sexes and ages - overwhelmingly support requiring a photo ID to vote. It is a shame that some are choosing to attack this law by arguing that it is discriminatory in some way, even though the facts are clear that it is not. To create a claim of discrimination every time your side doesn't win a particular debate minimizes those instances in which discrimination really does exist. Georgia is better than that, and we need to focus our efforts on lowering gas prices and helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I am confident that the courts will uphold this law and Georgia will have a more secure voting system to protect elections for years to come.