Area Votes: Voter ID Bill Narrowly Passes Senate
The State Senate was divided along party lines when it passed its voter ID bill on March 7.
With primary season approaching Pennsylvania, Lawmakers in Harrisburg approved a bill on March 7 that sets the definitions for “proof of identification” and describes the process surrounding provisional and absentee ballots.
Under HB 934, which passed in the senate by a meager 26-23 vote, voters need to present a state-issued photo I.D to vote, except for specific circumstances, such as a religious objection to being photographed, in order to cast their vote.
- The following forms of I.D can be accepted as proof of identification:
- A valid driver’s license
- An ID card distributed by any other state agency or from the US Government
- A US passport
- A student identification or employee identification card
- An armed forces ID
Voters could also present one of the following documents for review if a photo ID is not present:
- A firearm permit
- A current utility bill
- A current bank statement
- A paycheck
- A government paycheck
Any voter not able to produce proof of ID may cast a provisional vote, which must be confirmed by the county board of elections within six days of the election.
Yes: Edwin Erickson (R-26)
Dannytheman
10:02 am on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Just a slight correction. Pennsylvania does not offer a Gun "Permit." It is a License To Carry Firearms license and includes a picture.