COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A decision could be imminent on whether South Carolina's new voter photo identification law meets U.S. Justice Department standards.

The federal agency on Monday could say whether the law on the books since May follows federal Voting Rights Act standards.

Democrats and voting rights groups have said the new law will disenfranchise voters. State estimates show nearly 180,000 South Carolina registered voters do not have state-issued driver's licenses.

The American Civil Liberties Union says 15 states require photo identification from voters.

Supporters of the legislation say the photo identification is needed to prevent voting fraud.

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