26-02-2025
Do you need proof of ID to vote in Pennsylvania? Bill looks to change requirements
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Representative announced plans to introduce legislation requiring voter identification in the Commonwealth.
The bill, authored by Reps. Thomas Mehaffie, III (R – Dauphin), Frank Burns (D – Cambria) and Kathleen Tomlinson (R – Bucks), would require all voters who arrive at their election precincts to show identification or attest under the law that they are legally able to vote in Pennsylvania. The Representatives argued that the Legislature can no longer 'ignore a growing chorus' saying it 'can do more' to secure the votes in the Commonwealth.
In Pennsylvania, voters do not need to show photo identification at a polling place, and workers are advised not to ask every voter for ID. In 2014, the Commonwealth Court ruled that in-person proof of ID requirements were unconstitutional, according to Act 18 of 2012. The ruling, however, only applies to identification requirements for voters who appear to vote at their polling location.
This means that if a voter is voting for the first time or in a new election district, they are required to show proof of identification. Returning voters, however, do not need to show any ID unless otherwise noted.
'Public polling has repeatedly indicated that requiring voters to verify identity before casting a ballot is supported by the vast majority of Pennsylvanians,' The bill reads. 'Those same polls tell us this support cuts across ideological and geographical lines.'
The Representatives also argued that requiring identification at polling locations prevents fraud and will 'begin to rebuild confidence in our electoral system.'
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