In its latest 4-4 split 
decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has blocked the 
reinstatement of North Carolina’s 2013 voter ID law for the 2016 
general election.

After being struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, North Carolina attempted to appeal to the Supreme Court, which declined to hear its case. The court was divided along 
ideological lines, with swing vote Justice Anthony Kennedy siding with the conservative wing and North Carolina. However, the 4-4 decision allows for the lower court ruling to stand.

The 4th Circuit overturned North Carolina’s law back in June. “We can only conclude that the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the challenged provisions of the law with discriminatory intent,” Circuit Court Judge Diana Gribbon Motz wrote in the 
court’s opinion.

Voting rights activists are hailing the decision as a major win, while those in favor of the law believe the removal of photo ID requirements exposes the state to possible fraud.

Such 4-4 Supreme Court 
opinions have become increasingly common in the absence of a ninth justice. Justice Antonin Scalia passed away on Feb. 13, leaving the court’s final seat vacant. President Obama and Congress have yet to agree on a suitable replacement.

Compiled by Jordan LaPorta