Wilson’s Challenge To ‘Motor Voter’ Rejected

A federal judge Thursday rejected Gov. Pete Wilson’s challenge of the new “motor voter” law, which lets people register to vote when they apply for drivers’ licenses or welfare.

The law took effect nationwide this year, but Wilson refused to implement it and instead filed suit, contending the law is unconstitutional because it requires states to implement a federal program without full federal funding.

In the first ruling on the law by any court, U.S. District Judge James Ware said the federal government’s power to regulate elections includes authority to make rules for voter registration.