Pennsylvania Voter Identification Bill

House Bill 934, also known as the Photo Voter ID bill, which requires Pennsylvanians to produce photo identification when they vote, has now been signed into law by Governor Tom Corbett.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AT THIS TIME:

1. The law goes into effect immediately
2. Photo ID will not be required for the primary election on April 24
3. Voters will be reminded that the a photo ID will be required for the election on November 6

For the General Election in November and forward:

All photos must be current and include an expiration date, unless noted otherwise. Acceptable IDs include:

• Photo IDs issued by the U.S. Federal Government or the Commonwealth of PA Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s license photo ID (Please note: IDs are valid for voting purposes 12 months past the expiration date)
• Valid U.S. passport (not expired)
• U.S. military ID – active duty and retired military (a military or veteran’s ID must designate an expiration date or designate that the expiration date is indefinite). Military dependents’ ID must contain an expiration date
• Employee photo ID issued by Federal, PA, County or Municipal government (not expired)
• Photo ID cards from an accredited public or private Pennsylvania college or university (not expired)
• Photo ID cards issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes (not expired)

If you do not have one of the IDs listed above and require one for voting purposes, you may be entitled to get one free of charge at a PennDOT Driver License Center.

To find the Driver License Center nearest you, and learn what identification and residency documentation you will need to get a photo ID, visit www.VotesPA.com or call 1-877-VotesPA (1-877-868-3772). Also, you can learn how to vote if you have a religious exemption to having your photograph taken.

Please note: NO ONE legally entitled to vote will be denied the right to do so. If you do not have a photo ID or are indigent and unable to obtain one without payment of a fee, you may cast a provisional ballot, and will have six days to provide your photo ID and/or an affirmation to your county elections office to have your ballot count.

EDITOR’S NOTE #1: This is particularly applicable for those elected “public servants” and others with very irregular voting records.

EDITOR’S NOTE #2: This is particularly important for those who want to change to an improved and ethical governing body in Columbia!