After the 2010 elections, more than a dozen states enacted laws that require voters to provide a photo ID at the polls, shorten early voting periods or restrict voter registration efforts. Republicans, who took control of many legislatures in 2010, say the laws will curb voter fraud. Democrats say the new laws are meant to deter possible Democratic voters, such young people, the elderly and minorities. Challenges in state and federal courts lead to rulings that, for the most part, strike down the new laws.