Campaigns exhorting Americans to do their civic duty at the polls have usually been among the least partisan of political exercises. Leaders of virtually every persuasion unite in calling on eligible citizens to participate in the democratic process.

That’s still the right position to take, but the exact manner in which people register and vote is coming under closer scrutiny.

Some Republicans suspect the opposition of using underhanded methods to re-elect President Barack Obama, while some Democrats believe Republicans, especially the tea party variety, have gone out of their way to make it difficult for Obama supporters to vote.

Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson delayed imposition of a new Republican-supported law that would have required every voter in that state to present photo identification.

The law had come under attack from foes who argued it would unfairly complicate voting for the young, old, minorities, poor and disabled — those aggressively courted by Democrats.

If the 2008 presidential contest is any indication — and surveys suggest it will be — these efforts may carry symbolic significance. But Americans should not refrain or be kept from voting. The right to stand up and be counted still matters.

— The Frankfort (Ky.) State Journal