Legal Document

410 U.S. 686 93 Supreme Court Reporter 1209 35 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 633 Kathryn BURNS et al.v.Ben FORTSON, etc., al. Number 72—901. March 19, 1973. PER CURIAM. 1 By statute, Georgia registrars are required to close their voter registration books 50 days prior November general elections, except for those persons who seek rgister vote President or Vice President. Ga.Code Ann, §§ 34—611 and 34 602.* The District upheld the cutoff against appellants' constitutional attack based upon this Court's decision in Dunn versus Blumstein, 405 330, 92 995, 31 274 (1972). This appeal followed. 2 State offered extensive evidence establish 'the need a 50-day cut-off point, given vagaries numerous requirements of elections laws.' Plaintiffs introduced no evidence. On basis record before it, concluded that had demonstrated 'that period is necessary promote . orderly, accurate, efficient administration state local free from fraud.' (Footnote omitted.) Although approaches outer limits area, we affirm judgment Court. What was said today Marston Lewis, 679, at 681, 1211, 1213, 627, applicable here: 3 'In present case, confronted with recent amply justifiable legislative rather than 30 State's important interest accurate lists. Constitution not so rigid determination others like it may stand.' 4 affirmed. 5 Affirmed. 6 Mr. Justice BLACKMUN, concurring result. 7 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions concur only result, hesitate join what, me, unnecessary observation area.' also concurred result (1972), said, 8 'It is, course, matter linedrawing, as concedes, ante, 1006. But if pass muster, what 45 75? resolution these longer measures, less struck down, leaves, suspect, future.' Id., 363, S.Ct., 1013. 9 am prepared intimate point time excess cannot be sustained, how supportive be. In down Tennessee's 90-day county durational residency requirement part, suppose, because exceeded 30-day period. Had latter been 60 days, 30, suspect would have indicated approval corresponding 60-day requirement. See U.S., 345—349, 1004—1006. feel each case area should decided on its own unrestricted by an arbitrary number-of-days figure. 10 MARSHALL, whom DOUGLAS BRENNAN concur, dissenting. 11 For same reasons gave 682, dissent affirmance Unlike Arizona, does use volunteer deputy registrars, system thought created special problems warranting treatment. Indeed, expert witness testified there something dangerous about using registrars. Nor late primary Arizona. As Marston, appellees here did show impossible increase size registrars' staffs operations. Moreover, final lists registered voters until 14 election, which indicates serious administrative impediment keeping open relatively long 12 relies ingenious bootstrap argument let without comment. statutes question were enacted last year after our Arizona Legislature therefore knew limitations could justified burdens faced It insuring purity ballot box guaranteeing knowledgeability goals permissibly served registration. 353—357, 1008—1010. thus correctly noted reflected avoid problems. 13 quotes statement Marston. difficulty adopted nearly decade ago. hardly one. made knowing difficulties justification requirements. Even inclined defer informed necessity, when reason believe legislature such determination, deference regard uncalled for. Finally, indicate my view decisions provide making more difficult register shorter any existing periods, absence compelling extraordinary new circumstances. If all some officials needed. yesterday, they today. * Section 1964. At present, has independent statutory one six months (see Ann. § 34—602) held unconstitutional Abbott Carter, 356 F.Supp. 280 (ND Ga.1972).

Classification Label: 1