Judge Brakes 'Motor Voter'

A federal appeals court has put a hold on enforcement of the national ''motor voter'' registration law, staying a judge's order that Illinois must comply.

The 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals blocked enforcement of the order Friday. A clerk said the court issued the stay because it is considering an appeal filed by Gov. Jim Edgar's administration.

Illinois was ordered to comply March 28 by US District Judge Milton Shadur.

The Justice Department is trying to force five states to go along with the law that is supposed to make voter registration easier.

Last month, a federal judge ordered Pennsylvania to comply. Judges have ruled against California and a case is pending in South Carolina. The government has not yet sued the fifth state, Michigan.

The law, passed by Congress two years ago over Republican opposition, requires states to allow residents to register to vote when they apply for drivers' licenses.