PENNSYLVANIA’S VOTER ID LAW

VOTER ID UPDATE


On February 19, 2013, The Commonwealth Court entered a ruling on Act 18, Pennsylvania’s Voter ID Law amending the Preliminary Injunction shall be EXTENDED to enjoin those same provisions of Act 18 to cover all elections in Pennsylvania through the certification of the May 21, 2013 elections, including the municipal primary, special elections, and other elections in Pennsylvania that occur through the date.

The Commonwealth Court’s order effectively provides for another “soft rollout” for the May Election. This means that voters will be asked to present ID but will not be required to vote by Provisional Ballot if they do not show proof of identification and that all voters listed in the poll book will be allowed to vote.

However, please note that the “first time voter” requirements that have been in place prior to 2012 will apply in the May 21st Municipal Elections. This means that those voters who are required under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and/or the Pennsylvania Election Code to provide identification, will still be required to do so at the May 21st Municipal Election.

Centre County will continue our education and outreach efforts, as directed by the Judge in his order, in order that all voters know that the Voter ID law is on course to be implemented in future elections. That being said, we will continue to advise all voters to acquire legally acceptable identification for voting purposes.

Learn more about Pennsylvania Voter ID Law at votespa.com.