Area Votes: Voter ID Bill Narrowly Passes Senate

With primary season approaching Pennsylvania, Lawmakers in Harrisburg approved the "Voter ID" 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 26-23 vote, voters need to present a state-issued photo ID to vote, except for specific circumstances, such as a religious objection to being photographed, in order to cast their vote.

The following forms of ID 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.

No: Daylin Leach (D-17)