Photo ID Voter Bill Nears Approval In PA.

Senator Pileggi Comments on House Bill 934 from Senator Pileggi on Vimeo.

Legislation to protect the integrity of the voting process in Pennsylvania was approved by the state Senate today, according to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9).
House Bill 934 would require voters to show a valid, non-expired photo identification when they vote. Identification could include IDs issued by the state or federal government, such as a driver's license, a military identification card, or a passport. Photo identification cards from state-accredited colleges and universities and state-licensed care facilities will also be accepted, as will county and municipal employee photo cards.
No voter will be turned away on Election Day. Any voter who arrives without identification can vote using a provisional ballot. The voter would then have six days to show valid identification to their county election board.
Any registered voter who doesn't have valid identification will be able to obtain a non-driver photo ID from PennDOT at no charge. The bill exempts those who have religious objections to having their photograph taken.
"This is a simple, common-sense measure to protect the integrity of the voting process, the very foundation of democracy," said Senator Pileggi. "In today's society, we show identification routinely – to buy prescription drugs, to travel on planes and trains, to open a bank account, to get a marriage license, to cash a check, and even to get into some buildings. This measure will significantly increase confidence in the fairness of Pennsylvania elections without causing a true hardship for anyone."
Already, 15 other states – including Florida, Michigan and Indiana – have photo ID requirements in place. Many other countries – including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain – also require photo ID to vote.
In 2000, President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who served under President George H. W. Bush, issued a bipartisan report recommending the use of voter ID. The Carter-Baker report indicates that "voters in nearly 100 democracies use a photo identification card without fear of infringement on their rights."
In 2008, President Carter and Secretary Baker coauthored an op-ed reaffirming their support for "voter ID laws that make it easy to vote but tough to cheat" – precisely what House Bill 934 will do.
Numerous studies across the United States have shown that existing voter ID laws have had no negative effect on voter turnout and participation. A 2009 study by the University of Delaware and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that "voter identification laws do not affect voter turnout." The same study also noted that "it is time we give some credit to the electorate" and "spend more time searching for ways to increase citizens' interest in politics."
House Bill 934 now returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence in Senate amendments. Governor Tom Corbett has indicated he supports the legislation.