Rep. Harper Weighs in on Voter ID Law

Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) said her office is prepared to help area voters get in compliance with the voter ID rules Governor Tom Corbett signed into law last week.

“The vast majority of Pennsylvanians already have a valid form of ID under the law,” Harper said in a written statement,  touching on the mandating PA voters present a valid state ID at the polls.

“However, my staff and I are prepared to assist anyone either with confirming their existing ID meets the requirements of the law, or if it does not, directing them to PennDOT to obtain a free non-driver identification card.”

Harper, who conducts monthly outreach meetings at several area senior communities, said her office will provide information and review of identification at those sessions. She encouraged other groups or organizations interested in learning more about the law to contact her office.

While voters will be asked to present ID at the April 24 primary election, identification will not be required by law until the general election in November.

The law, Act 18 of 2012 requires all registered voters to present a valid form of identification at the polls that must include a name, photo and expiration date, except when an individual presents a military ID card.  A driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT, military ID cards, and cards issued by an accredited Pennsylvania university or a licensed nursing home will all be accepted.

The law contains exemptions for those with religious objections to being photographed. Additionally, PennDOT will make available free IDs to those without valid cards.