The New York Times is reporting the nation’s top election research panel has downplayed research showing declining cases of voter fraud around the country. Republicans have cited voter fraud in arguments for tougher voter identification laws. Critics say the voter ID laws have unfairly targeted the poor, elderly and people of color. In a final report, the Election Assistance Commission said the pervasiveness of fraud was open to debate. But that conclusion contradicted findings that accusations regarding widespread fraud are unjustified. The panel made the conclusion while at the same time downplaying evidence showing growing cases of voter intimidation.