Ensuring Election Integrity
Did you know that Pennsylvania is among only a handful of states that don’t require proof of identification to vote? Currently, thirty-five states require an ID to vote, and voter ID requirements are the norm around the world.
Sadly, over the years, trust in our election process has gone down. In fact, a 2022 Gallup poll found that only 63 percent of voters nationwide were “very or somewhat confident” ahead of the 2022 midterms that votes would be accurately cast and counted – a 12-point drop compared to 2006.
Voter ID requirements improve election integrity and can stop multiple types of fraud, such as impersonating another registered voter, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or someone registered in multiple jurisdictions.
Not surprisingly, voter ID receives broad support in Pennsylvania. A June 2021 poll from Franklin and Marshall College found that 74 percent of respondents, including 77 percent of Independents, favored identification requirements.
Let the Voters Decide!
To help restore voter confidence and improve election integrity, I’m leading an effort to pass a constitutional amendment in the General Assembly to require identification when voting in person. As a constitutional amendment, it’s the people of Pennsylvania who are going to decide if voter ID is an important component of our election system. Constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions to get on the ballot.
Voter ID Laws Don’t Hurt Turnout
You may also be interested to know that study after study show voter ID laws don’t hurt voter turnout. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that voter ID does not reduce turnout, nor does it have an impact on election outcomes. In addition, a Pew Research Center analysts saw “historic jumps” among every racial group in the 2018 election despite roughly two-thirds of states being subject to a voter identification law.
How Can I Obtain an ID?
The good news is that IDs are not difficult to obtain. In Pennsylvania, voters have 15 ID options approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Any individual who does not possess a valid form of ID could receive one at no cost to ensure no voter is prevented from participating in the election process.
It’s time to let Pennsylvanians voice be heard and rebuild trust in our election process.