Fontana Discusses Law That Would Require Photo ID to Vote

I have received many letters, e-mails and calls lately on a piece of legislation that would require all Pennsylvanians to show photo identification to vote. Although this may seem like a good idea at first glance, a more in depth look at House Bill 934 (HB 934) proves that this is unnecessary for our Commonwealth. 

Currently, Pennsylvanians are only required to show identification when voting in a polling place for the first time. Some examples of acceptable ID include a current utility bill, a paycheck or bank statement, a gun permit, or a driver’s license, as long as these items have the individual’s name and address. However, a poll worker can still request to see identification at a later time.

Under HB 934, a government-issued photo ID would be required for most individuals before voting. Due to the significant restraints this bill places on voters, the Senate State Government Committee amended the legislation by expanding the acceptable types of identification. Now IDs from certain accredited colleges and universities, as well as some state care facilities will be an acceptable form of identification. For people who cannot provide ID at the polls, they will be able to vote using a provisional ballot, but will have to show identification within six days of an election.

The bill passed the House of Representatives on June 23 by a vote of 108-88. All Democrat Representatives voted no along with a few Republicans. HB 934 passed the Senate State Government Committee on Dec. 12, by a vote of 6-5. All Democrats on this committee voted no, along with one Republican. The legislation currently resides in the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member.

Perhaps what is most alarming about this issue is the estimated cost to Pennsylvania’s taxpayers. In May 2011, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center published a report stating that requiring voter identification cards will cost over $11 million. Since every United States citizen has the right to vote under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Commonwealth would have to issue a “free” identification card. But as the report shows, many factors have to take place before an individual can vote in our state under this mandate. Some of the costs associated with HB 934 would include the actual making of the “free” voter ID cards, public education, voter notification of the new law, photo ID equipment, and election day staff.

There are two sides to every story. Many legislators feel that this mandate is necessary to prevent voter fraud for reasons that include impersonation at the polls, fictitious registrations, double voting, and voting by illegal aliens. However, in the 2008 presidential election, only four cases of voter fraud were reported out of the 8.73 million registered Pennsylvania voters.

Many of my Democratic colleagues and I believe that this is another example of the Republican agenda for the upcoming elections. This inevitably will lead to the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters across Pennsylvania. According to research, this kind of mandate usually affects seniors, women, the poor and minorities.

More importantly, at a time when we are faced with extreme budget cuts, is this mandate really necessary? Shouldn’t our priorities be restoring education funding, creating jobs, and closing the Delaware loophole, to name a few?

As of January 2012, only eight states in the United States require such strict identification to vote. If the measure is approved by the General Assembly sometime in the near future, poll workers during the April primary would ask an individual for photo identification, but those without one would still be able to cast a ballot. The law would go into full effect for the November general election.

Please be reassured that when it comes time to vote on this legislation, I will take all of the letters, e-mails and calls I have received about this matter into consideration. After all, you, the voters, are the ones who elected me and I will remain the voice for my constituents.