Judge blocks Pennsylvania voter ID law before election          

A judge in the US state of Pennsylvania has stopped new ID requirements for voters from taking effect before November's presidential election.

The ruling, which says voters do not need valid photo ID to cast a ballot, is likely to be cheered by Democrats.

Pennsylvania, a key swing state, has been leaning towards President Barack Obama in opinion polls.

Laws such as the one halted in Pennsylvania have triggered a debate over voting rights in several states.

The case could be pursued in Pennsylvania's supreme court, although it is unclear if any appeal would be heard before election day.